Guyana president again promises transparency in probe of death of 11-year-old

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – With the nation still mourning the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali returned on Saturday to her family’s home and assured them of the government’s full support in their pursuit of truth and justice.

Younge’s body was found in a pool at a hotel under mysterious circumstances. Amid public anger over police actions and other suspicions, the hotel and the house where the owner resided were subsequently set ablaze. Some residents looted.

Standing among Adrianna’s mother, aunt, and grandmother, the president gave his personal assurance that all their requests relating to the post-mortem examination would be honoured without hesitation.

The government sought the services of Barbadian expert Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul to conduct the autopsy, but the family opted to nominate their pathologist to oversee the process for full transparency.

“There is absolutely no issue [with your requests for an independent pathologist],” the president said, as he listened to the family’s concerns and pleas.

President Ali shared that the family’s lawyer had already submitted a letter outlining specific requests regarding the autopsy process. That letter has since been forwarded to the Chief Medical Officer, who will coordinate directly with the pathologist selected by the family.

Determined to ensure full transparency, the Guyana Police Force has been ordered to ensure that every step of the process, including the autopsy, be videotaped to remove any doubt or missteps.

“We want full transparency,” the country’s leader assured the family, emphasising his commitment to a thorough and fair investigation. “As much witnesses as the family want there (autopsy process) and is medically permissible, all of that and [all their] requests will be honoured.”

The pathologist selected by the family was scheduled to arrive in Guyana on Sunday. The post-mortem examination will be conducted in the presence of the independent pathologist and the police-appointed medical examiner. (DPI/BT)