The Guyana Police Force faces mounting criticism from tourism organization Visit Rupununi over its handling of the investigation into the brutal killing of renowned tour guide and conservationist Leon “Rasta” Baird. The 38-year-old’s partially charred remains were discovered January 25, 2026, in a burned vehicle near the Rupununi River, adjacent to Wichabai Ranch in South Rupununi.
Visit Rupununi, established in 2015 with support from Conservation International, issued a strongly worded statement expressing “deep disturbance and outrage” at both the murder and the perceived inadequate police response. The organization directly implicated cattle rustlers operating in the Sand Creek area as the likely perpetrators, citing evidence from the crime scene and local reports.
According to official police bulletins, forensic examination by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh determined Baird was alive before the fire that caused his death. Investigators recovered evidential items including a knife and spent shotgun shells near the scene, alongside the remains of two cattle suspected to have been shot.
The tourism body highlighted concerning investigative gaps: potential witnesses have come forward, suspects have been reportedly sighted, and physical evidence remains uncollected at the crime scene. Notably, the lead investigator hasn’t been seen in the district since the Sunday following the discovery.
Visit Rupununi condemned the historical lack of police action against organized cattle rustling networks that have long plagued Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). The organization warned that failure to properly address this crime could embolden further violence, creating a dangerous perception that such acts occur without consequence.
Neither Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken nor CID Head Deputy Commissioner Wendell Blanhum responded to media inquiries regarding these allegations. The police force’s only official communication stated that no arrests have been made while investigations continue.
Baird, remembered as a respected local guide, vaquero, and dedicated conservationist, has been laid to rest after his remains were released to relatives following DNA sampling as part of the ongoing investigation.