Protests Erupt in Guyana Over Death of 11-Year-Old Adrianna Younge
Protests erupted in Georgetown, Guyana, as pathologists performed an autopsy on 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, found deceased in a hotel pool. Demonstrators demanded justice, and opposition politicians called for an independent investigation into police conduct. The case has spurred widespread outrage and highlighted concerns regarding public trust in law enforcement amid escalating tensions.
In Georgetown, Guyana, several protestors gathered on Monday, blocking a section of Middle Street outside the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary. Their demonstration came as forensic pathologists conducted an autopsy on 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose body was found in a hotel pool in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo last Thursday. The tragedy has triggered outrage across the nation, resonating deeply among citizens from various backgrounds.
Earlier, a CT scan was performed on the young girl’s body, which was subsequently transported to the mortuary for examination. The autopsy, involving three foreign forensic experts, is anticipated to last over four hours. Dr. Glenn A. Rudner and Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul were brought in by the Guyanese government, while Dr. Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner from Delaware, was arranged by Younge’s family and their lawyer, Darren Wade.
In a further request, Younge’s family sought the presence of Dr. Caleb Mc Cloggan, an endocrinologist, during the autopsy. Dr. Mc Cloggan urged the crowd to remain patient, stating, “please have patience”, while emphasizing the need to consider the simultaneous care of other patients at the hospital.
Meanwhile, regarding the tragic incident, Opposition legislator Amanza Walton-Desir appealed for a prompt debate within the National Assembly over a petition advocating for an independent investigation into the actions of the Guyana Police Force. This petition, supported by the Guyana Human Rights Association, reflects public concern regarding the police’s handling of the case.
However, Speaker of the House Manzoor Nadir noted that the petition could not be discussed due to its timing, saying it was only submitted on the same day the Assembly convened. He reiterated the procedural necessity for such documents to be reviewed before making it onto the Order Paper.
The motion calls for a rigorous, internationally-led inquiry into the matter, a temporary leave for the Police Commissioner, and substantial reforms within the police force to rebuild trust with the public. In the wake of Younge’s death, the Guyana Police Force announced that Region Three Commander, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall, has been reassigned and three officers have been placed under close arrest. Authorities have also begun questioning the hotel owner and staff related to the case.
In a disturbing turn of events, both the hotel and a private residence belonging to the owner were set ablaze, representing the escalating tensions surrounding this case. This incident has captured the attention of many, highlighting the urgent need for justice in Guyana.
The death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge has sparked widespread outrage in Guyana, leading to protests for justice and calls for an independent investigation. As forensic pathologists conduct an autopsy, the political ramifications are unfolding with legislators demanding accountability from the police. In the shadow of rising tensions and calls for reform within law enforcement, the tragic case has drawn a spotlight on issues of public trust and safety in the country.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
