Protests Erupt in Guyana Over Death of 11-Year-Old Adrianna Younge

In Guyana, protests erupted outside the Georgetown Public Hospital where pathologists conducted an autopsy on Adrianna Younge, an 11-year-old girl found dead in a hotel pool. Demonstrators demanded justice, and calls for an independent investigation into police conduct arose. Actions against police personnel have already commenced amid public outcry.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Protesters gathered outside the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) mortuary on Monday, blocking a section of Middle Street. They demonstrated as three forensic pathologists performed an autopsy on Adrianna Younge, an 11-year-old girl tragically found lifeless in a hotel pool at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo last Thursday. The crowd rallied with drums and slogans, demanding justice for the young girl, igniting a wave of sorrow among citizens across various social divides.

Prior to the autopsy, a CT scan was conducted on Younge’s body. The autopsy, expected to last more than four hours, was led by two foreign pathologists – Dr. Glenn A. Rudner and Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul – appointed by the Guyana government. They were joined by Dr. Gary L. Collins, the Chief Medical Examiner from Delaware in the United States, who was brought in at the behest of the girl’s family.

In addition to these experts, Dr. Caleb McCloggan, an endocrinologist, requested to be present during the procedure. “At 12:30 (local time), they will start the process,” Dr. McCloggan informed the media and appealed to the demonstrators for patience, noting the necessity of considering other patients at the hospital.

In parallel with the autopsy, Opposition legislator Amanza Walton-Desir urged the National Assembly to expedite a discussion on a petition for an independent investigation into the Guyana Police Force’s actions following Young’s death. The motion was submitted by the Guyana Human Rights Association and has garnered support from many citizens concerned about police conduct.

However, Speaker of the House Manzoor Nadir pointed out that the petition could not be debated due to its late submission. He explained that all petitions must undergo a review process before they can formally be addressed. The motion includes calls for a thorough international investigation and a temporary leave for the Police Commissioner, alongside major reforms to restore accountability.

In response to the public outcry, the Guyana Police Force has already taken some actions. Region Three Commander, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall, was placed on administrative leave. Three other officers were subsequently put under close arrest, and hotel staff have also been questioned. The situation escalated with the burning of the hotel and property owned by the hotelier.

As this tragic event unfolds, the community remains on edge, calling for accountability and justice for Adrianna Younge.

The protests reflect a deep demand for justice for Adrianna Younge, as numerous citizens unite in response to her tragic death. The autopsy is being conducted by international experts, while the call for an independent investigation into the police’s actions highlights the community’s concerns about law enforcement accountability. As authorities grapple with this sensitive issue, public trust is at stake, demanding swift and fair action.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com