Conscience of the nation is alive and well

Apr 28, 2025 News

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—UG says in condemning violence in Guyana 

Kaieteur News- The University of Guyana (UG) said this has been a “horribilis mensis” (horrible month) in relation to interpersonal violence against the most vulnerable in Guyana as it referenced the recent death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge who was found dead in a swimming pool at the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo last Thursday.

UG said while all deaths are terrible and rob families and the nation of loved ones, and their presence and potential contributions, the death of children are unthinkable and heart-wrenching. This is even more so, given the circumstances unfolding in the recent heartbreaking case of Younge. “The university notes that the conscience of the nation is alive and well, through the actions of public-spirited citizens, some of whom are UG alumni, students, and staff working quietly on the ground, along with other organisations, to facilitate respectful grieving support, trauma counselling, legal and policy guidance, among other interventions within the context of the university’s training and community outreach portfolio.”

The country’s premier tertiary institution said it stands ready to render any additional support needed within its resources and abilities, including providing counselling and medical services to its own staff and students who have been directly impacted. It also acknowledges the implementation of the new SOPs for “Missing Persons,” which we think of as the “Adrianna Alert” system, instituted by the leadership of the GPF over the last 24 hours, as an important initial response with expected positive impact.

The UG Community is committed to continuing active engagement with the GPF, as far as possible, in helping to address some of the alleged highly questionable operational breaches and behaviours among some of its ranks in the particular case of Adrianna Younge. ‘We will be publishing hotline numbers for “UG Cares,” aimed at augmenting those already in place to publicity.decc@uog.edu.gy (592) 623-5104 www.uog.edu.gy Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, P.O. Box 101110, Guyana, South America.”

Not an isolated tragedy- IDPADA-G

Meanwhile, the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly–Guyana (IDPADA-G), said the death of Younge is not an isolated tragedy, but a brutal reminder of a systemic failure that endangers every Guyanese child, family, and community. Adding its voice in condemnation of the ruthless killing, the organisation said while the country grieves the painful moment, it must also act. It said calls for justice must also include a demand for a new police service which prioritises the equal service to and protection of all citizens.

“We must recognise that the Guyana Police Force is still chained to its 1839 post slavery mission to protect the ruling class, the rich and their property – as they did at Tuschen – while oppressing and trampling on the rights of the poor. They protected the hotel owner. They cannot deliver justice for Adrianna,” the body stated.

Since its founding as the country’s coordinating mechanism for the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent, IDPADA-G said it has reported to the UN on the sordid state of the Guyana Police Force – its origin story as a post slavery force of oppression and its record of corruption and extrajudicial killings. It noted that the UN’s programme of activities for the decade draws attention to the legacies of slavery and colonialism in Guyana’s laws and institutions, and calls for reform of existing laws and institutions, like the Guyana Police Force that are oppressive and corrupt.

Further, in March 2024 the United Nations Human Rights Committee, a body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) by state parties, reviewed Guyana’s submission on performance on its 2020 recommendations to address human rights issues of major concern. The CCPR once again spoke to the urgent need to address corruption in the Guyana Police Force, IDPADA-G relayed.

It continued that the committee takes note of the adoption of several laws and regulations by the state party to combat corruption, as well as measures including the creation of a Special Organised Crime Unit of the Guyana Police Force.

IDPADA-G said the state party should expand its efforts to adopt and implement, efficient, and prompt measures to promote good governance and combat corruption and impunity at all levels of government. In this respect, the committee urges the state party to: adopt concrete measures to address the root causes of corruption as a matter of priority; ensure all corruption cases, including cases of those involved in high level corruption and corruption in police force, are independently and impartially investigated and prosecuted, and that perpetrators, if convicted, are sanctioned with penalties commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, and that victims receive full reparation;

The organisation said the government has ignored these recommendations. As a result, injustice and corruption deepen and tragedies like Adrianna’s death continue.

“In this dark hour, IDPADA-G renews its call for reform of existing legislation and institutions, like the Guyana Police Force, with a view to amending unjust laws and creating institutions that can be trusted and that treat all citizens equally”. The body is demanding that the police force be dismantled and replaced with a Guyana Police Service, an entity that can be trusted, not a police force whose mission, since its founding in 1839, is to protect the rich and powerful and disrespect and oppress the people. “No one can bring Adrianna back, but we can ensure that her death is not in vain by bringing a new day and meaningful change to our nation,” it stated.

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