One month later

MISSING: U.S. resident Kwame Romel Jobronewet, aka Romel Johnston

ONE month has passed since 67-year-old U.S.-based Guyanese, Kwame Jobronewet, has gone missing and family members and the Police are still at a loss as to what may have happened to him.

Relatives are however still holding strong to the belief that Jobronewet, also known as Romel Johnston, is safe wherever he is.

Last Sunday, July 12, was one month since the last time family members saw Jobronewet. Yesterday, Mrs. Paulette Charles, a cousin, told the Guyana Chronicle that she and other relatives are praying each day for his return or some information as to what has happened to him.

She also commended the Guyana Police Force for the efforts they have made in helping to locate her missing relative.

Crime Chief, Seellal Persaud, yesterday told this newspaper that Police are still carrying out intense investigations into the case.

He noted that the last information they received led detectives to the once crime-infested East Coast Demerara village of Buxton, where searches were carried out, but which yielded nothing.

The Crime Chief added that the Police have followed up on all other leads, but to no avail.

Jobronewet, a resident of California for some 43 years, had arrived in this country with other relatives on June 12 last, and had travelled to Mrs. Charles’ residence in Goedverwagting.

Jobronewet had returned to the land of his birth to attend the funeral of his mother, whose body had been transported from Miami to Guyana for burial.

However, following a visit to his late mother’s home in Buxton on the day of his arrival, he was not heard from or seen again by relatives.

Reports were received of sightings in Buxton, where it was claimed that Jobronewet was seen attempting to purchase an item with U.S. currency from a local shop, and which led police to search the village two weekends ago.

Another report indicated that the man was seen at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, at Beterverwagting and Victoria, both East Coast Demerara villages, and at the Berbice car park.

Checks were made by family members at all of the locations, to no avail.
Earlier this month, family members had expressed to this newspaper their misgivings of finding their relative safe and unharmed, but had revealed too, that they need closure, if not reassurance of Jobronewet’s safety.

Jobronewet’s last visit to Guyana, prior to this one, had been in 2004, and family members are of the belief that the man may have lost his way because of his unfamiliarity with the country, and possibly taken advantage of by unscrupulous person or persons.

The family would like anyone who may have seen their relative, or know of his whereabouts, to contact them on telephone number 222-2688, or the nearest police station.