Adriana honoured in US at Guyana Independence event

Jun 02, 2025 News

Kaieteur News- The parents of 11-year-old Adriana Younge received a posthumous honour from the United States Congress on Sunday during the annual Guyana Independence Parade held in Brooklyn, New York.

The award was presented in Adriana’s memory following her mysterious death at the Double Day International Hotel and Bar in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Her body was discovered on April 24 in the swimming pool approximately 20 hours after she was reported missing during a family outing.

Adriana honoured in US at Guyana Independence event

Family members of Adriana Younge receiving posthumous award from officials of the United States Congress

The honour was formally presented by New York City Council Member Chris Banks (42nd District) to Adriana’s family on behalf of the U.S. Congress. Following the parade, Adriana’s mother, father, aunt, and two siblings joined Councilman Banks on stage to receive the award.

This year’s parade was officially dedicated to the memory of Adriana Younge, according to a release from the Guyana Independence Committee NYC issued five days prior to the event. The Committee expressed solidarity with the family and emphasized the need for justice in Adriana’s case.

Adriana’s family had flown to the United States last week to oversee the second autopsy on her body, which was conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. Following the autopsy, the family travelled to New York City to participate in the Guyana Independence Parade and attend the ceremony held in Adriana’s honour.

Thousands of Guyanese and supporters gathered for the parade, with many carrying placards bearing Adriana’s photo and chanting, “Justice for Adriana!” The march began at Church and Brooklyn Avenues at 12 noon on June 1 and proceeded along Church Avenue, Utica Avenue, and concluded at the venue for the Unity Concert: 1450 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203 (between Glenwood Road & Farragut Road).

At the Unity Concert, several heartfelt tributes were dedicated to Adriana Younge, including a poem by Guyanese activist Melissa Atwell, a dramatic performance, and original songs written in her honour. Several prominent U.S. officials attended the event, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Councilman Chris Banks, and other members of Congress, as well as state and local government leaders and community advocates.

The New York Guyana Independence celebration is the largest gathering of Guyanese outside of Guyana, and one of the most significant West Indian cultural events in New York City—second only to the Labour Day parade. The event draws thousands of attendees annually, with over one million viewers watching online via live stream and social media platforms.ngress at Guyana independence parade in New York

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