Govt lifts curfew after three days

May 02, 2025 News

---

…says country has returned to normalcy

Kaieteur News- After what appeared to be a three-day experiment, the government has officially revoked the nationwide curfew that was imposed earlier this week in response to violent unrest and widespread looting.

Observers say the early revocation of the curfew is a clear sign that the government does not know how to handle the security crisis in the country. “People are still scared, businesses are iffy about opening, and the government is removing the curfew after three days, clearly this was an experiment,” a former senior police officer who asked not to be named told this newspaper.

The announcement of the lifting of the curfew was made via the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Facebook page on Thursday. The curfew, which had restricted public movement and gatherings between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., was initially introduced under the Public Safety Order 2025 following nationwide protests and riots triggered by the release of an autopsy report confirming that 11-year-old Adriana Younge died by drowning. The incident sparked outrage and led to a wave of fiery demonstrations, particularly on Monday night, prompting the government to act swiftly to restore public order.

In a statement, the ministry declared, “In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Section 6 of the Public Act Order, this order may be cited as the Public Safety Revocation Order 2025. The Public Safety Order 2025 is hereby revoked.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs also expressed optimism regarding the country’s current trajectory, stating, “The Ministry welcomes the steady and very encouraging return to normalcy after a period of unrest and law-breaking in a number of areas.”

Despite lifting the curfew, the ministry urged continued vigilance and civic responsibility. Citizens are encouraged to remain cautious, safeguard personal property, and promptly report any suspicious or disruptive activity to the Guyana Police Force. “The Ministry is calling on all citizens to exercise care, caution and restraint in respect of personal property safety and to report to the Guyana Police Force any act which may disrupt good public order, safety, and peace.”

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn had told Kaieteur News on Tuesday that authorities were reviewing the curfew and were considering moving the start time to 10:00 p.m. “They [relevant authorities] are considering it, we are reviewing it,” Minister Benn said. He continued, “Basically, it means everybody, including you (reporter), should go home by 10:00.”

In an invited comment on the curfew, Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton had criticised the government and police for “mishandling” Younge’s situation, which led to the uproar the country is currently in. “First, this entire scene was created by the incompetence of the Guyana Police Force and the government. Had they acted properly, we would have not arrived at where we arrived.” He continued, “Why would you want a curfew from 12:30 to 5:30 in the morning, when most people are at home? There’s something sinister about it.” Norton also warned of the risks of extrajudicial violence and said the solution lies in restoring public trust in law enforcement, not implementing a curfew.

David Patterson, Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), had called for calm but urged the government to keep the curfew short-term. “I think it is a limited curfew, and obviously we have to give some sort of support to the police, but I do think it should be, and I hope it’s a very limited curfew; it doesn’t go on for any longer if it’s necessary.”

Some citizens also had mixed views on the curfew. Roy McKenzie, a citizen interviewed by Kaieteur News, expressed sympathy, but noted that imposing a curfew at this time is a drastic measure. “It’s a strong measure and maybe it is necessary to restore calm, however, it puts a lot of pressure on residents who need to work, buy food, or care for their families.” He added, “I just hope the authorities can find a balance between keeping the community safe and respecting our daily needs.”

Nicholas, another citizen, said the curfew might help reduce crime, but added, “It would have been more effective had it been in place at an earlier time.” A resident identified only as ‘Darky’ dismissed the curfew entirely, by stating, “The curfew ain’t make sense, girl. You ain’t see is before 12 them people start loot and bun up de road, and vehicles and protest.”

---

• Adriana Younge, curfew, Home Affairs, revoke, riot

---