Protests Erupt in Guyana as Autopsy of Adrianna Younge Takes Place
Protests occurred in Georgetown, Guyana, as the autopsy of Adrianna Younge, an 11-year-old found dead in a hotel pool, took place. Calls for justice are strong, as community outrage demands accountability from the police following her death. An independent investigation into police conduct is being sought by political leaders and citizens alike.
On Monday, protests erupted outside the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) mortuary as three foreign forensic pathologists began conducting an autopsy on Adrianna Younge, an 11-year-old girl found dead in a hotel pool last Thursday. The scene drew a crowd, blocking a section of Middle Street, as demonstrators expressed their outrage and called for justice. The heartfelt responses from the community have extended beyond political or racial lines, uniting many in grief.
Prior to the autopsy, a CT scan was performed on Younge’s body, which was transported to the hospital mortuary. The autopsy, expected to take upwards of four hours, is being carried out by Dr. Glenn A. Rudner and Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, both of whom were dispatched by the Guyanese government. They are joined by Dr. Gary L. Collins from Delaware, arranged by Younge’s family and their attorney, Darren Wade. The family has requested the presence of Dr. Caleb Mc Cloggan, an endocrinologist, to oversee the procedure as well.
Dr. Mc Cloggan urged patience from the protestors, noting the need to respect other patients being treated at the hospital. He confirmed that preparations for the autopsy would begin at 12:30 local time and appealed for understanding amidst the tense environment.
The opposition legislator, Amanza Walton-Desir, has formally requested an urgent debate in the National Assembly regarding an independent investigation into the actions of the Guyana Police Force following Younge’s death. She questioned the timeline for addressing a petition submitted by the Guyana Human Rights Association, which reflects public dissatisfaction with perceived police misconduct. The petition, supported by local citizens, seeks a full investigation amid claims of systemic failures.
Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly, explained that the petition could not be debated immediately due to late submission. According to procedure, every petition must first be reviewed by the Clerk before being discussed in the Assembly.
The petition advocates for an independent, internationally led investigation, calls for the temporary suspension of the Police Commissioner, and demands a thorough overhaul of the police force to regain public trust. Since the incident, Region Three Commander Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall has been transferred to administrative leave, while three other officers have been placed in close arrest. In the wake of the incident, the hotel where Younge was found, along with properties owned by the hotelier, has been set on fire.
This situation surrounding Adrianna Younge’s tragic death has ignited widespread protests and calls for accountability in Guyana. The autopsy is ongoing, led by an international team of pathologists, while calls for an independent investigation into police actions have gained traction. The community remains vocal in its demands for justice, reflecting deep sentiments regarding the need for significant reform in law enforcement practices.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
