Let Us Remember Adriana Younge as we cast our ballots on September 1st, 2025

Dear Editor,

We must not be distracted by the racial rhetoric and means by political figures to prevent us from remembering Adriana Younge whose life was gruesomely taken away from her on April 24, 2025.

There are a myriad of events in our country geared at shifting our attention away from the fact that it’s been over two months and no one has been held accountable for the death of this innocent eleven year old.

This administration has promised the people that Adriana’s killers will be held responsible and dealt with severely.

As of right now, Head of State Irfaan Ali has not kept his promise to involve the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Adriana Younge’s case.

This administration’s ardent supporters are accusing Adriana Younge’s family of politicising the situation and postponing her funeral, which depresses me.

I would like to know what these people would do if they found themselves in a similar predicament to the parents and friends of this preteen who are grieving.

On numerous occasions, the Guyana Police Force has failed to instill confidence in the civilian population, particularly in this case, which has fostered a sense of public distrust in the law enforcement agency.

If the police force were committed to integrity and accountability, then they would have taken serious action in this situation.

I understand that every Guyanese is entitled to their own political prerogatives but it is important to vote based on conscience.

The constant development of roads and public infrastructure, the distribution of cash grants, the modernisation of public health facilities among other mechanisms that stimulate economic growth cannot and will not revoke the idea that the powers that be have shown no interest in resolving Adriana’s case.

The fact that the family had to do a second autopsy overseas although a first autopsy was conducted is conspicuous that they are dissatisfied and in pursuit of closure to disabuse themselves from hearsay and psychological distress.

Dr Dexter Todd, the lead attorney of the family for the Adriana Younge case has requested a Commission  of Inquiry (COI) into the death of this child.

He also intends to legally challenge the results emanating from the first autopsy conducted on Adriana’s body.

By any means necessary, the attorney is willing to defend the family by making sure that justice is served. Why is this the case since the government has been abjugating its responsibilities.

It is interesting to note that retired Canadian police officer Leonard McCoshen who was hired by the state as an investigator for this case praised the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for what he described as a “thorough investigation” and dubbed their efforts as “exemplary and exceptional.”

How can our police officers be lauded for their exemplary efforts when they have misled the public and parents regarding Adriana’s disappearance.

The police reluctantly prevented the family from searching the premises for the missing child.

Subrian Younge was refused entry to the hotel despite his cries and demands to be permitted to conduct a thorough search for his missing child. 

I must say that the police do not deserve praise for their exemplary efforts as related by Mr. McCoshen.

It is not about how many roads you built or cash grants you distributed, it is about being a bastion of accountability, transparency and ensuring that justice is administered with efficiency and efficacy.

Guyanese must not forget Adriana Younge as they are slated to cast their votes on September 1, 2025.

Your vote is a reflection of whether you are only consumed by the constant development in your country or you are also concerned about being granted protective rights under an administration that upholds the pillars of justice and true democracy.

For we all have a choice and that choice must be guided by conscience, empathy and adoration for humanity.

Regards

Name and Address withheld