Protestors Demand Justice for 11-Year-Old Adrianna Younge as Autopsy Underway in Guyana

A protest erupted outside the Georgetown Public Hospital as three foreign pathologists conducted an autopsy on 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose death in a hotel pool has sparked nationwide calls for justice. Opposition leaders are pushing for an independent investigation into police actions related to the case, while the hotel and its owner face public scrutiny and violent backlash.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – On Monday, a group of protestors assembled outside the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) mortuary, blocking a section of Middle Street while pathologists conducted an autopsy on 11-year-old Adrianna Younge. Tragically, Younge’s body was discovered in a hotel pool last Thursday, and her death has ignited outrage across the nation’s diverse communities who are now demanding justice.

The autopsy is being carried out by three foreign forensic pathologists, including Dr. Glenn A Rudner and Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, who were brought in by the Guyanese government. They are joined by Dr. Gary L Collins, Chief Medical Examiner from Delaware, arranged by Younge’s family. The family also requested the presence of Dr. Caleb McCloggan, an endocrinologist, for the autopsy process, which is expected to last over four hours.

Dr. McCloggan addressed the gathered reporters, stating that they would begin the autopsy at 12:30 local time and urged for patience from the protestors, noting that the hospital had other patients requiring care. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised in the National Assembly regarding police actions following Younge’s death. Opposition legislator Amanza Walton-Desir is calling for an urgent debate on a petition for an independent investigation into the police’s handling of the case.

The petition, submitted by the Guyana Human Rights Association, has called attention to what they describe as persistent failings on the part of the police to act lawfully and justly. Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, explained that the petition could not be addressed on Monday due to its late submission.

The motion seeks to demand a comprehensive investigation, proposes the temporary leave of the Police Commissioner, and calls for reforms to restore public trust in the police force. In the wake of this tragedy, the Guyana Police Force has seen some administrative shifts; Region Three Commander, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall has been transferred, and three officers have been placed under close arrest. Also, authorities have questioned the owner and staff of the hotel where the incident took place.

Sadly, the hotel and a property belonging to its owner were subsequently set ablaze amid rising tensions.

The investigation into the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge continues as pathologists conduct the autopsy amid public outcry. With calls for an independent investigation and significant changes to police procedures, the situation remains tense. Authorities have initiated some administrative actions, but many in Guyana are demanding more substantial accountability and justice for the young girl.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com