Women’s Advisory Committee Condemns Rising Violence Against Women, Calls for Urgent Action

The Women’s Advisory Committee of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has issued a strong condemnation of the “abhorrent” acts of violence that claimed the lives of four females in two separate incidents this week, describing the situation as a terrifying reflection of worsening conditions for women and girls in Guyanese society.

In a press statement released Friday, the Committee highlighted the brutal killing of three women Waveny LaCruz and her daughters, Maline LaCruz and Sueann LaCruz- in their Soesdyke home on Wednesday, April 23, allegedly at the hands of one of the Waveny’s partner, Parmanand Ramdehol. Ramdehol, also shot another relative, Seon LaCruz, who is now hospitalised in critical condition. The shooter reportedly ingested poison and later died.

That same day, 11-year-old Adrianna Younge went missing while on a family outing at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. According to police, a report of the missing child was made around 1 p.m., prompting an investigation. However, the Committee noted that law enforcement later released misinformation to the public. By the following morning, Adrianna’s body was discovered floating in the hotel’s pool. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

“These two situations are terrifying to say the least, and they are not isolated,” the Committee stated. “The frequency with which tragic cases of domestic violence unfold in our small society is very alarming.”

The Committee expressed deep concern over continued reports that survivors and families of domestic violence often receive little to no meaningful response from the Guyana Police Force, despite making official complaints. In many instances, victims are forced to remain in close proximity to their abusers, exposing systemic failures in the protective and justice mechanisms intended to serve them.

“It suggests that the services of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security are not sufficient or impactful enough to deter these tragic consequences,” the Committee added. “The judiciary may also have a role to play when such cases are presented for prosecution.”

Calling for a “collective effort to eradicate and change what is quickly becoming a norm,” the Women’s Advisory Committee extended its sincere condolences to the grieving families of the LaCruez women and young Adrianna Younge.

The Committee said these horrific incidents do not reflect who we are as a people and called for more to be done to address the sickening occurrences of domestic violence.