Business community up in arms against looters

Apr 30, 2025 News

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…calls on police to take tough action to beat back criminals  

Kaieteur News-  The business community in Guyana has condemned the violence that broke out across the country on Monday evening, which resulted in several persons being shot and injured, at least two men killed and dozens of supermarkets and other businesses looted by criminals. They have also called on the police to take tough action to beat back criminals.

Riots broke out following the completion of an autopsy on the body of Adriana Younge, which showed that she had died by drowning. Not satisfied with the results, some citizens protested on the streets, but several others in villages used the opportunity to beat and rob local business owners.  In response, several stores on the usually busy Regent Street closed their doors on Tuesday. The same situation prevailed on Water Street, East Coast Demerara and West Coast Demerara.

Police said that all video footage, images, and other available evidence are being reviewed by the Guyana Police Force. “All persons implicated in criminal conduct, including, arson, blocking and burning public roadways, malicious damage and destruction to private and public properties, personal violence, and acts of terror and domestic terrorism, shall be arrested and charged,” police warned before making it clear that these individuals will be placed on a no-fly list. Their personal information and other particulars will be shared with regional and international law enforcement agencies, the Guyana Police Force said.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community members affected by the tragic and untimely passing of Adriana Young. “We join the nation in mourning and stand in full solidarity with her loved ones as they seek answers and justice. The Commission joins His Excellency, the President of Guyana, the Leader of the Opposition, the Alliance for Change, and other private sector organisations in calling on all Guyanese to respect the rule of law, refrain from unlawful behaviour, and desist from damaging public or private property. Most importantly, we urge all citizens to avoid actions that could lead to harm against fellow Guyanese,” the statement read.

The PSC said it expects the Guyana Police Force to take decisive and appropriate action to bring those responsible for acts of violence and destruction to justice. “We strongly reaffirm that the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of any democratic society. However, the preservation of public order, adherence to the rule of law, and the protection of lives and property must remain paramount.”

“Furthermore, the Commission emphasises the importance of allowing the legal and judicial processes to proceed independently, free from political interference or public intimidation. The Commission calls on all national leaders to unequivocally condemn and reject all forms of violence, and to confine their support solely to peaceful and lawful expressions of public concern. The Private Sector Commission remains resolute in its commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law in Guyana.”

For its part, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said it has noted with deep concern the incidents that occurred within the last 24 hours and is calling on citizens to allow peace and stability to prevail. “Criminal elements have hijacked and preyed upon frustrations over recent incidents, and the acts of violence, looting and destruction witnessed on Monday and the wee hours of Tuesday morning only serve to create unrest and create divides among our people. The Chamber remains concerned about the continued perpetuation of violence in our society, and public safety remains paramount. The GCCI is calling on authorities to enforce the implemented measures to temper unrest and be proactive in quelling any efforts aimed at furthering instability,” the statement concluded.

Also in a statement, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) said it fully supports the calls from citizens across the nation demanding transparency following the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Younge. “As an organisation, we are firmly rooted in the values of community, fairness, and the protection of our nation’s most vulnerable. The GMSA acknowledges and supports the right of all citizens to express their grief and demand justice. At the same time, we strongly encourage that all actions taken be peaceful and respectful of the rule of law. Violence or destruction must not cloud the dignity of our collective pursuit of truth, as this does not have a place in the modern Guyana we are trying to build. We note and are reassured by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali’s commitment that no stone will be left unturned in the investigation of this matter. We encourage the appropriate authorities to carry out this mandate expeditiously, impartially and transparently. We call on all sectors of society to uphold these principles as we collectively seek answers and honour Adriana’s memory,” the statement said.

Peaceful protest

Across in Region Five, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce there extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the family and loved ones of Younge and noted that it stands in solidarity with her family during this period of immense grief and loss. “We commend His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, for his prompt and compassionate response to the Family’s request for an independent forensic investigation. The Government’s decision to facilitate the involvement of international forensic pathologists—Dr. Gary L. Collins (the Family’s Representative), Dr. Glenn A. Rudner, and Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul—demonstrates a commitment to Transparency and Justice.”

 

The R5CIC said it unequivocally supports the right to peaceful protest as a fundamental democratic principle. “However, we strongly condemn the acts of violence, looting, and the obstruction of roadways that have occurred in various communities in Region No. 5 and the Country at large, including Belladrum Village, Paradise Village, Burma Road, No. 28 Village, Armadale Village, Hopetown, No. 8 Village and No. 5 Village. Such actions not only endanger lives but also disrupt the economic stability and social harmony of our Region and Country. We call upon the Disciplinary Forces to act swiftly and decisively to restore peace and order, ensure the safety of all citizens, and protect Public Infrastructure and Private Property. It is imperative that the pursuit of justice for Adriana does not become overshadowed by lawlessness and destruction.”  “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered harm, loss, or damage to their businesses and properties during this period of unrest. The R5CIC remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to promote peace, justice, and the well-being of our communities. Once again, the Region 5 Chamber of Industry and Commerce emphatically condemns all acts of violence, damage to property, and unlawful behaviour occurring in our region and across the country. We call upon everyone to uphold peace, law, and order during this sensitive time.”

Deep concern

Adding its voice, the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSi) said it is also concerned about the violent incidents that have unfolded from Monday into Tuesday, particularly following the heart-wrenching autopsy of 11-year-old Adriana Younge.  “The R3PSi extends heartfelt condolences to Adriana’s family and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. We are gravely disturbed by the violence, looting, and destruction witnessed on Monday and the early hours of Tuesday morning.  These acts do not reflect the values of our communities and only serve to deepen wounds and sow division,” the statement read.  “We unequivocally condemn all forms of violence and reiterate that criminal elements must not be allowed to hijack public grief and frustration for selfish and destructive ends. We urge all citizens to remain calm and allow peace and stability to prevail. At this difficult time, we must unite around shared values of compassion, empathy, and justice. Public safety is paramount, and we call on the relevant authorities to enforce the necessary measures to restore order and prevent any further escalation,” the statement added.

The private sector body also expressed profound concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of young Adriana. Reports indicate that she had gone missing last Wednesday, April 23, and her body was discovered the following morning in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel. Following an hours-long autopsy conducted at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), her death was officially confirmed as drowning. “In light of this tragedy, R3PSi strongly advocates for urgent reforms in safety protocols across recreational facilities.”

It said all swimming pools, especially those at hotels and public venues, must be equipped with trained lifeguards and appropriate safety infrastructure to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The safety of our children must never be compromised. “As we reflect on the pain and unrest of recent days, we encourage all citizens to turn inward in solemn prayer and contemplation.  We lift up Adriana Younge and all those who are grieving, injured, or traumatised by recent events. Let us be inspired by what uplifts and unites us, not what tears us apart. We are blessed to live in this land we call home. Let us care for it, protect it, nurture it, and work together to build a safer, more compassionate society. This is our collective responsibility—our sacred duty to this Homeland and to future generations,” the statement noted. “In this defining moment, ‘One Guyana’ must not be just a slogan, but a guiding principle that calls us to unity, peace, and shared responsibility. Now more than ever, the world is watching Guyana—not only as an emerging economic powerhouse but also as a nation striving to mature democratically and socially. What we do today will shape how we are seen tomorrow. May love, brotherhood, and humanity be the foundation upon which we move forward. And may God bless every soul born in this place we call home.”

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