Dear Editor,
As I pen this letter for publication, the pain and anguish of the gruesome death of young Adrianna Younge weigh heavily on my heart. Her tragic passing has captured the attention and sympathy of many, both locally and internationally. As a woman, and as an aunt to nieces in the same age group as Adrianna, this loss touches me deeply.
Several days ago, I publicly addressed this matter, which I believe must not be allowed to join the long and growing list of unsolved crimes. President Irfaan Ali has declared that the truth surrounding Adrianna’s death must be revealed.
Upon hearing this, I was immediately reminded of the brutal deaths of young Joel and Isaiah Henry. Their mothers, now deceased, were given similar assurances, also by President Ali. Come September 2025, it will be five years since their tragic deaths, and justice remains elusive.
While much has already been said in the public domain, I must express my disappointment with the leadership at both the executive level and within the Guyana Police Force.
They have failed the Younge family and the people of Guyana. Many are left to wonder; Do some within the government have something to hide? Whose interests are being protected?
Are there familial ties between the owners of Double Day and members of the government? These questions persist, especially given the painfully slow pace of the investigation.
It is disheartening to witness the Police Force’s apparent resistance to the call made by Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo at his press conference on Thursday, April 24, 2025. He urged the release of surveillance footage showing Adrianna entering a red Raum vehicle and leaving the hotel in an easterly direction.
To date, the police have not complied. Knowing Mr. Jagdeo, one assumes he may have already viewed this footage, if it exists. Perhaps he can release it himself, given the police’s reluctance.
Editor, based on the actions and inaction of the Police Force, it appears they had no intention of preserving Adrianna’s life or ensuring her safe return to her family and loved ones.
Over the weekend, the nation learned of an internal investigation which resulted in some individuals being relieved of duty, while the regional commander was placed on administrative leave.
Troublingly, apart from the commander, the names of the other individuals involved have not been made public. Where are we headed as a nation? What is being concealed? Are individuals being coerced into silence?
Though pathologists have stated that Adrianna died as a result of drowning, the livestreamed accounts and public testimonies from her grandmother, parents, and commentators like Mr. Mikhail Rodrigues suggest otherwise, specifically, that Adrianna was never in the pool.
However, Mr. Ali and others are attempting to sway public perception, asserting that she did not die from forced drowning and expecting the nation to accept this conclusion.
The Opposition Leader and others have rightly called on the Ali administration to launch an independent investigation and a Commission of Inquiry. I fully support this call in the interest of uncovering the truth and bringing closure to this painful matter; so, Adrianna’s soul may rest in peace.
Guyanese will come together to bid farewell to this beautiful and innocent soul. My hope and encouragement to all is that this matter must not be buried with her. It must remain alive in our national consciousness until justice is served and the full circumstances surrounding Adrianna Younge’s death are brought to light.
The shedding of innocent blood must end. Adrianna’s death must be a catalyst for change in how we treat one another in this country. As scripture reminds us in Matthew 22:39, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We must advocate for systemic reform and hold our leaders accountable.
I close by offering these words of comfort to the parents, family, friends, and all of Guyana: Isaiah 61:8 says, “For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.” Be assured of God’s promises.
I will continue to stand with Adrianna’s family as they pursue truth and justice in these heartbreaking circumstances.
May the soul of young Adrianna rest in eternal peace.
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson, MP
