In a rare display of unity, a coalition of political leaders, civil society groups, and concerned parliamentarians gathered on Tuesday, April 28, 2025, to demand urgent action in response to the recent unrest that has gripped Guyana. The joint statement, signed by representatives from the Alliance For Change (AFC), Assembly For Liberty & Prosperity Party (ALP), Vigilant For a New Guyana (V-PAC), The People’s Movement (TPM), the People’s National Congress (PNC), and other civic leaders, called for systemic change in both the police force and the broader political landscape.
The group, which included high-profile figures such as Simona Broomes (ALP), Nigel London (TPM), Maya Obradzina-Ryan, former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, and others, came together to express their outrage over the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge. The death of the child, whose circumstances remain under investigation, has ignited widespread protests, with many citizens demanding justice for the young victim and for reform within the police force.
The joint statement condemned the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, the racial profiling of citizens, and the political exploitation of national grief. “The unrest following Adriana’s death is not just about one tragic loss,” the statement read. “It is about a deeper, ongoing injustice. It is about a system that treats poor and working-class youth as disposable.”
In their call for action, the coalition outlined several key demands:
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Impartial Investigation: The group is calling for an investigation into Adriana Younge’s death by a credible international law enforcement agency, such as Scotland Yard, the RCMP, or the FBI, under the constitutional oversight of the Guyana Police Force.
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Removal of Police Commissioner: They are demanding the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken pending the outcome of the investigation into police conduct.
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Establishment of Civilian Oversight: The leaders are calling for the creation of an Independent Civilian Oversight Authority to review and investigate allegations of misconduct within the Guyana Police Force.
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Respect for Peaceful Protest: The statement demands an end to the use of deadly force in response to peaceful protests and a call for a ceasefire in the ongoing unrest.
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Accountability for Police Actions: They are also calling for charges to be brought against the police officer responsible for the shooting death of Keon Fogenay, a separate but related incident of police violence that has further fueled public anger.
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Protection of Citizens and Businesses: The coalition stressed the need to protect innocent civilians and businesses from being vilified, targeted, or used as political pawns during the protests.
While condemning the violence, the coalition also rejected the broader political culture that, according to them, criminalises the youth and perpetuates a culture of fear. “We reject the system that shoots first and explains never,” the statement emphasised, calling for a shift away from a punitive approach toward youth and towards providing them with opportunities to contribute positively to society.
“We know what it’s like to be dismissed, devalued, and used,” the statement continued. “But we also know what it means to rise. Now is the time to raise Guyana’s youth—not as weapons, but as architects of the nation’s future.”
The coalition made it clear that while they are not calling for an end to protests, they are advocating for a peaceful, purpose-driven movement with clear demands for change. “Protest must continue—peacefully, powerfully, and with clear, united demands that reach beyond this tragedy,” they stated. “Unless we change the culture, we will only rotate the faces in power while the system remains broken.”
This joint statement, signed by a diverse group of political parties and civic leaders, was presented as a united stand for peace, justice, and transformation. The group emphasized that their movement transcends political alliances, as they seek not just justice for Adrianna Younge, but for broader systemic change to benefit all Guyanese citizens.
“This is not a political alliance,” the statement concluded. “This is a united stand for national peace, justice, and transformation. Guyana must rise. And this time, it must rise for all.”
