Rabindranath Sivinand, the husband of Gyaneshwarie Sivinand yesterday said that the family is grief-stricken at the news that the body which was spotted at the bottom of the Kaieteur Falls on Saturday is that of his wife.Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle last evening via telephone, the man said that the family despite the odds were still hoping that his wife would have been found alive. Mr. Sivinand pointed out that every family grieves for their loved ones differently and asked that the privacy and decency of the family be respected during this time of mourning. He stressed that the family will be very appreciative if at least media operatives can also respect their wishes especially during the period relatives pay their final respects.
Last evening the Ministry of Presidency confirmed that the remains at the bottom of the Kaieteur gorge has been located and will be recovered and transported out of the area today. The ministry said that the Guyana Defense Force Special Team located the body of the woman who was a tourist at the Kaieteur National Park at the time she went missing.
It was reported by the ministry that the remains of the woman were found among a rocky area at the base of the falls which had previously been submerged because of high levels of water. The plan is to elevate the body to the top of the falls today and will be transported by plane to Georgetown for a postmortem.
The Park remains closed for completion of the recovery operation and is expected to be re-opened by tomorrow Wednesday, the Ministry of the Presidency release added. The Ministry of Presidency also used the opportunity to express its condolences to the family of the tourist during what it termed “this difficult time” Appreciation was also expressed by the ministry to the officials and agencies that supported the work of the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force during the search and recovery operation.
On Saturday officials received information from staff of the Kaieteure National Park that they have spotted a body in the gorge of the falls which at that time they suspected to be that of the missing woman. Meanwhile by Sunday confirmation came that the remains which were spotted are indeed that of the woman given her attire she was wearing at the time she disappeared.
Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman on Sunday did indicate to the Guyana Chronicle that the Government through the relevant agencies will try its best to ensure that the remains are brought out of the area so that the family can be able to afford the woman the final rites they so desire. Gyaneshwarie Sivinand reportedly plunged to her death earlier this month while accompanying several other persons on a tour to the area. The woman did not indicate to any relatives that she was going to the location and it was only after she was reported missing that contact was made with her family who became aware.

By Leroy Smith