Bartica, Guyana, June 9, 2026, The Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) is deeply saddened and gravely concerned by the tragic death of 14-year-old Ms. Luella Hope of Jawalla Village, Upper Mazaruni River Region #7. Acting upon information provided by relatives who wish not to have their names disclosed at this time, BUYDG urges the relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, professional, and impartial investigation to establish the true cause of death and address all questions surrounding the circumstances.
According to the information received, Ms. Hope was with her mother at a shop located not too far from their home, where her mother is employed. She asked her mother for permission to go home to bathe and change. When she took longer than expected to return, her mother went to check on her and discovered her hanging in the house at approximately 13:20 hours. Police were summoned to the scene. Other persons assisted in taking her down. Reports indicate that the girl had marks on her head and other parts of her body, grass on her skin, and water coming from her mouth. There is a creek near the family home.
It is reported that the girl showed no prior signs or indications of suicidal intent. Family and community members have raised speculation that she could have been murdered and the scene staged to appear as suicide. BUYDG notes there is a pending High Court matter relating to her but will not comment further on that case at this time, as the impact of her death on any proceedings remains unclear.
The BUYDG has been made aware of a video posted on one of her sister’s TikTok accounts, which includes pictures of the child’s body as well as a photo of her while alive. The video clearly shows how devastating this loss is for members of her family. Family members have also expressed their feelings on their WhatsApp status.
Video link for media:
https://www.tiktok.com/@lilly.
The death of young Luella has left her family and community in profound pain,” the BUYDG stated.“We call for a full and proper investigation into this matter so as to address all speculation and establish the true cause of her death. Too many of Guyana’s children are facing unexplained deaths, underage pregnancies without perpetrators being held accountable under the Sexual Offences Act, missing children, bullying in schools, and sexual violence. It is time for the Government to take meaningful action, by establishing better programmes, strengthening and modifying our laws where necessary, and working closely with NGOs and international institutions to create impartial and fair protections for all.”
We were informed that her body was later transferred to Kamarang for post-mortem examination to determine her cause of death. BUYDG calls on the authorities to issue a public statement on the progress of the investigation into her death as soon as possible.
The Bartica United Youth Development Group remains committed to youth empowerment, child protection, and community development. We stand with the family of Luella Hope and all those working to safeguard vulnerable children across Guyana.
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