An overseas-based Guyanese who was stranded in Guyana for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported missing by his family, who fear he may be the victim of a kidnapping.
Nicholas Ramkissoon Jaipaul, 25, of Canada, arrived in Guyana in January for a holiday with his grandfather, Ramkissoon Jaipaul, 86, and they were residing at Lot 42 Number 69 Village, Corentyne. They were expected to leave Guyana in May but were forced to remain in the country due to the pandemic, which has seen the shutdown of the country’s airports except for special flights.
According to relatives, the young man was last seen on Sunday around 7.30 pm. However, relatives yesterday said that they are of the belief that the young man was kidnapped since someone reportedly called the grandfather and informed him that they had the young man in their custody.
The grandfather told Stabroek News that he received the phone call on Monday morning, “They called and asked where I was and I said downstairs and then they ask where Nicholas and I said he upstairs and they said let me check and see Nicholas is not upstairs that they have him,” he recounted. “They said they have him and I figure they want ransom but they didn’t ask.” According to the grandfather, the person then ended the call.
However, a police source close to the investigation told Stabroek News, that investigators have since discovered that there was no forced entry into the house. “There was a padlock on the grill door and we observed that it was not broken,” the source said.
According to the source, the grandfather went to sleep just around 7.30 pm on Sunday, while the young man was still awake in the house.
Commander of Region Six, Calvin Brutus yesterday said, the matter is being investigated as a missing person case.
However, he added, that the investigation would be accelerated if they are to discover any evidence suggesting that the man might have been kidnapped.
Nicholas’ grandfather described him as an easy going individual who did not have much friends in the country.
According to the man, his grandson would accompany him when visiting persons. “He does go with me or his other grandfather only,” the man said.
Anyone who may have information as to the whereabouts of Nicholas Ramkissoon Jaipaul is asked to contact the nearest police station.
