…ex-colleague in custody
Police are investigating the murder of a supply chain manager attached to Canadian Headquartered Guyana Gold Field Inc, whose body was found bound and naked in a pool of blood on Monday night.
Dead is 42-year-old Canadian-based Guyanese, Neil Whyte, who joined the staff at Guyana Gold Field in July 2017.
According to the Police, Whyte was murdered sometime between 22:20h and 23:45h on Monday at his Lot 258 Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown apartment. Whyte was found lying naked on his back while his hands were bound in front of him with black plastic cable ties. His body bore stabs wounds to his neck and other parts of his body.
The suspect in the murder has been identified as a 25-year-old ex-employee of the company. The suspect was apprehended at about 06:30h on Tuesday at his Vryheid Village, West Canje, Berbice, home and is in custody assisting with investigations.
The dead man had returned from an interior location on Monday night when he informed the security guard at the apartment building that he was heading to Thomas and Middle Streets, Georgetown to pick up a friend.
The security guard for the apartment building told investigators that Whyte escorted the suspect into the apartment.
The security guard related that the suspect later exited the building and informed the security that he was going to collect ‘something’. At the time he was carrying a haversack. However, the suspect reportedly walked to the junction of Thomas and Middle Streets, where he joined a car and left.
Following the discovery of the body, it was confirmed that the haversack belonged to the now dead man and it was discovered that Whyte’s laptop, cash, gold and other personal items were missing.
Guyana Times was told that the guard, knowing that it is company protocol that residents of the building check out their guests, went up to the victim’s apartment and saw him lying lifeless in a pool of blood on the bed.
He informed his superiors, who in turn notified the Police.
When this publication visited Guyana Gold Field Inc’s Thomas Street location, the compound was closed off to the media and visitors. However, Human Resources Manager Peter Benny later told the media that Whyte was a stellar employee and one that was excellent at what he did.
“He has done an excellent job in increasing and improving our efficiencies. He was passionate about supply chain; he was very well organised and very well respected among his peers. He is quiet, he is a loving person and one who has dedicated himself to being charitable,” Benny told media operatives.
He added that there were no breaches in the company’s security protocols but did commit to improving the security strength if needed. Benny further stated that the security guard on shift is cooperating with the Police to get to the bottom of the incident.
Police investigations are ongoing.
