Opposition parties demand justice for Adrianna

Apr 25, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News- The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) said it is deeply concerned by the unsettling incident involving the disappearance of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge from the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday.

In a statement, the PNCR said that it stands in solidarity with Younge’s family during this distressing time. On Thursday, General Secretary of the PNCR, Shervin Benjamin, visited the site and met with the child’s parents and relatives to offer support and to gather information regarding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death. “The family has voiced their apprehension over the situation, reiterating police claims that Adrianna was seen being taken away from the hotel in a black Raum motor car.

Disturbingly, family members reported that they viewed footage from a neighbouring building that shows Adrianna along with others entering the hotel, but does not show her exiting, raising serious concerns about her safety.” During the visit, the General Secretary engaged with the Regional Commander of Police via telephone, even as family members expressed frustration over being prohibited from searching certain areas of the hotel, particularly the back entrance and yard. The PNCR said the parents further alleged that during their attempts to investigate the situation, the grandfather of the child was threatened with a firearm by the hotel owner. “This alarming behaviour raises broader questions regarding the safety protocols and responsibilities of establishments that accommodate families and vulnerable individuals. The PNCR/APNU unequivocally condemns all acts of intimidation or obstruction that compromise the safety and well-being of our children. We call upon the authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Adrianna’s disappearance and the allegations against the hotel owner. Our party urges the public to remain vigilant…We implore the community to come together to support the family during this trying time and hold those responsible accountable.”

For its part, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is calling for the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, the Commander of Region 3, Khalid Mandall and an independent investigation into the disturbing events surrounding the disappearance and tragic death of 11-year-old Andrianna Younge. According to the AFC, the sequence of events and the evolving police narrative raise serious red flags. AFC Presidential Candidate Nigel Hughes stated:

“If the police statement is confirmed, then it would seem that, at the highest level, they were part of a conspiracy – or at the lowest, grossly incompetent. This was a crime scene yesterday, which means they had control of the location through the night. The body could not magically appear in broad daylight. The Police Force has now established a pattern of issuing misleading information to the public. We must begin with the removal of the Commissioner of Police and escalate our call to include the Minister of Home Affairs if accountability is not forthcoming.”

Hughes said this situation reflects a growing crisis in public safety and institutional trust. “It is not the first time that families, particularly those from marginalized communities, have been left without answers or justice. The AFC is demanding a live national address from the government and calling for civil society to join in demanding full transparency. Silence and spin are no longer acceptable. Lives are at stake.“We grieve with Andrianna’s parents, friends, and community,” Hughes continued. “This is not just about one case. It’s about restoring the rule of law and ensuring our daughters, sisters, and children are protected – no matter where they come from.”

The AFC said it remains committed to its campaign pillars of Clean Governance, Justice for All Communities, and National Unity. “Justice delayed is justice denied. Andrianna deserves more than our mourning — she deserves action.”

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed profound regret and grave concern following the tragic discovery of the body of Younge. “The ministry extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all those affected by this unspeakable loss. We stand in solidarity with the community during this time of mourning and grief.”

According to the ministry, pursuant to the directive of His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who has called for the immediate establishment of a specialised investigative team under the Commissioner of Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs is actively supporting this national effort. “The President has mandated that no resource or effort be spared in uncovering the full truth surrounding the circumstances of Adrianna’s disappearance and death. In this regard, the ministry is ensuring all necessary operational and technical resources are made available to facilitate a thorough and impartial investigation.”

The ministry said that it supports the President’s call for full transparency and accountability, including a comprehensive explanation from the police of all actions taken from the time the matter was reported. “We echo his commitment to clarity, justice, and public trust in the processes of law enforcement. The Ministry of Home Affairs urges the public to remain calm, to cooperate fully with the authorities, and to refrain from any acts that may disrupt the investigative process or disturb public order. The ministry reiterates its unwavering dedication to national security and assures that every measure will be taken to ensure justice is served.”

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