The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has launched an immediate investigation into the death of one-year-old Trayden Tanner after the child suffered a medical emergency at a licensed daycare facility in South Turkeyen, Sophia, on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) confirmed that it received a telephone report at approximately 12:30 p.m. from Chelsea OD’s Daycare and Playgroup, located at Section C, South Turkeyen, concerning a medical emergency involving the child.
According to the Ministry, the agency immediately advised the facility to take the child to the nearest health centre for urgent medical attention. However, despite the intervention, Trayden was subsequently pronounced dead at the C-Field Health Centre.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s death remain unclear, and both the CPA and the Guyana Police Force have launched investigations.
Following notification of the incident, the CPA immediately dispatched officers to the daycare facility. Their initial responsibility was to ensure that all children were safely handed over to their respective parents and caregivers.
The Ministry said it was treating the incident with the utmost seriousness, stressing that childcare providers have an obligation to ensure the safety and protection of every child entrusted to their care.
In a firm statement, the Ministry declared:
“The circumstances surrounding the child’s death will be subjected to a thorough, stringent and uncompromising investigation, with the Ministry working closely with the Guyana Police Force, which is also investigating the matter. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety and well-being of children.”
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the medical emergency, the response by the daycare facility and the actions taken after the child became unwell. However, the Ministry has not disclosed further details about the nature of the emergency or whether any deficiencies have been identified at the facility.
The tragedy has also brought renewed attention to the responsibility of licensed childcare facilities to maintain appropriate standards of supervision, care and emergency preparedness.
While the facility is licensed, the Ministry reiterated that licensing does not remove the obligation to comply strictly with established childcare standards and regulations.
The Ministry extended its condolences to Trayden’s parents, relatives and loved ones, acknowledging the devastating loss of a young child.
“The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and the Ministry stands ready to provide the necessary support to the grieving family.”
It further reaffirmed its responsibility to safeguard children and ensure that childcare facilities operate in compliance with the standards governing their operations.
As the police and the Childcare and Protection Agency pursue their investigations, the immediate concern remains establishing exactly what happened to one-year-old Trayden Tanner and whether all necessary safeguards and procedures were followed.
