Hours after arriving in Georgetown and checking into the Signature Inn Hotel in Queenstown, Toshao of Tassarene village in Middle Mazaruni, Ridley Joseph, was found murdered in his room at the hotel.
The 37-year-old Toshao, who was elected to the National Toshao’s Council earlier this year, was in Georgetown for an Executive Meeting of the Toshao Council. A number of other Toshaos are staying at the same hotel.
The man’s body was discovered this morning in a pool of blood by a staff member of the hotel. Immediately, the Police were contacted and the other Toshaos were informed of the death.
News Source understands that the murdered man sustained 19 stab wounds to various parts of his body, including to the face, neck and chest. Investigators suspect that the murder weapon was a large knife. There are also reports that a small suitcase that the Toshao had in his possession is missing.
Investigators have been examining security camera footage at the hotel and have been able to track down a car that was seen dropping off the suspected killer at the hotel. The driver of the car is being questioned about the identity of the person he took at the hotel, who investigators believe carried out the gruesome murder.
A number of guests in the hotel reported hearing screams for help late last night, but told investigators that they remained in their rooms as they were afraid.
At the hotel this morning, other indigenous leaders appeared confused and shocked by the news and were seen talking among themselves in the lobby of the hotel.
Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, Derrick John, arrived at the hotel this morning to the devastating news. He said he has been left completely shocked and in disbelief over the murder.
“I just came out here this morning and it is very sad, with what greeted me this morning. It is very very shocking, It is a very sad situation. At this time, we are at the hotel here and the Police are doing their investigation and there is not even much that we can say, because we are not allowed access to the room”, he said.
According to the Chairman of the Toshaos Council, Toshao Ridley Joseph was well liked in his community and was soft spoken. He said he did not have too many interactions with him, because of their various locations in the interior, but they were all looking forward to the meeting of the executive of the Council.
Toshao Joseph was expected to travel to Linden today for a graduation ceremony. He was preparing to graduate as the Valedictorian of the Nursing Assistant programme.
Tributes have been pouring in across social media, as many of those who knew him remember him as a dynamic indigenous leader and community worker. The investigations into his murder are ongoing.
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