Body of man found in Central Rupununi savannahs

Residents of Central Rupununi were in shock on Friday morning after the body of a man, so far only identified as “Uncle Elias”, was discovered lying motionless in the burnt savannahs.
The deceased, who hailed from Parishara Village in Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo), was said to be well known in the area. Villagers described him as a familiar figure “who is a big supporter of the PPP”. His body was reportedly found by passers-by, who later alerted community members.
While the cause of death has not yet been determined, some villagers speculated that Elias may have consumed alcohol before the incident. Up to press time on Saturday, police had not released any official report on the matter.
His death comes at a time when Region Nine has been battling a surge in wildfires that residents say are destroying farmlands and displacing wildlife.
Last year, villagers in Moco-Moco and Nappi reported that fires, fuelled by dry and windy conditions, had devastated large portions of the savannahs and farmlands in Central Rupununi.
Community members have urged one another to monitor traditional slash-and-burn practices more carefully, warning that uncontrolled fires not only destroy crops and habitats but also pose serious risks to human life.