Toxicology and DNA analyses in Adriana Younge’s autopsy reinforce the conclusion that she died from accidental drowning.
Tests showed no presence of drugs, and a minor trace of ethanol — later attributed to natural postmortem decomposition. Most notably, DNA swabs taken from the mouth, genitals, and anus found no foreign DNA and no molecular evidence of sexual assault.
“Swabs were collected before the body was manipulated, and results confirmed no interference or trauma,” the report read.
Experts say these findings remove any forensic basis for suspicion of foul play. In the pathologists’ opinion, Adriana drowned — alone, and without interference.
The head and facial examination of Adriana Younge showed no trauma — a critical detail in ruling out foul play. According to the report, her scalp, skull, and facial bones were intact and free of wounds or fractures.
A CT scan and radiographs confirmed the absence of contusions, hemorrhages, or signs of impact.
The only notable observation was frothy white mucus at the nostrils — a sign often associated with drowning. Her tongue, found wedged between her teeth, did not indicate any forced trauma or suffocation.
The forensic team concluded: there was no head trauma — bolstering their opinion that Adriana died by drowning.
[BBC] – US President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants.
An official memo said social media vetting would be stepped up for student and foreign exchange visas, which would have “significant implications” for embassies and consulates.
It comes during a wide-ranging Trump crackdown on some of America’s most elite universities. He sees these institutions as too left-wing – accusing them of failing to combat antisemitism when pro-Palestinian protests have unfolded on campuses.
Responding to the move, China called on the US to protect international students.
“We urge the US side to earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of international students, including those from China,” an official was quoted as saying. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese students attend US universities.
The universities themselves are likely to be disquieted as well. Many of them rely on foreign students for a significant chunk of their funding – as those scholars often pay higher tuition fees.
Foreign students who want to study in the US are usually required to schedule interviews at a US embassy in their home country before approval.
State department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday: “We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that.”
The memo, viewed by the BBC’s US partner CBS News, directed US embassies to remove any unfilled appointments from their calendars for students seeking visas, but said those with appointments already scheduled could go ahead.
The pause would last “until further guidance is issued”, Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote.
The memo also said the state department was preparing for an “expansion of required social media screening and vetting” applicable to all student visa applications.
It did not spell out what the vetting would look for.
The Trump administration had already enhanced its vetting of student social media, according to a report by the Guardian in March, which linked the move to a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses.
In April, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that it would consider “antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests”.
As part of the broader crackdown, Trump’s team has frozen hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for universities and moved to deport students, while revoking thousands of visas for others. Many of these actions have been blocked by the courts.
The White House has accused some US universities of allowing pro-Palestinian activism on campus to be hijacked by antisemitism.
Universities have accused the Trump administration of trying to infringe on free speech. Critics say the new policy on social media vetting represents a further violation of the rights that are supposed to be enshrined by the First Amendment in the US Constitution.
Trump has throughout his presidency countered that he is working to defend free speech.
Harvard University has been the focal point of the president’s ire; he has frozen $2.65bn (£1.96bn) in federal grants to the institution and has sought to put other federal funding worth $100m under review.
The university’s president has said the cuts will “hurt” the country, not just Harvard, because academics were conducting research deemed “high-priority” by the government.
Last week, Trump also revoked Harvard’s ability to enrol international students or host foreign researchers. A federal judge blocked the policy.
If the measure is ultimately allowed, it could deliver a devastating blow to the university, where more than a quarter of students are from overseas. Students protested against the move at the university’s campus near Boston on Tuesday.
Indigenous communities across Guyana continue to receive designated funds from carbon credit earnings, but they are receiving more than the promised 15% allocation, according to Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
In the first year the funds were distributed to Indigenous communities, 2023, a total sum of US$22.7 million (or about G$4.75 billion) was distributed to more than 200 Indigenous communities.
Last year, the sum was US$23.27 million. Jagdeo announced at this year’s National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference that the communities will receive US$23.27 million again this year.
“… although we have received less this year, we have kept the US$23.27 million to give to the communities.
“We did not want, because of lower receipts this year, to change the allocations to the villages,” he told the Toshaos gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendall, Georgetown.
Guyana earns from the sale of its carbon credits, a venture that came about after Guyana became the first country to be issued carbon credits on a jurisdictional or national scale. The credits serve sort of like coupons that you exchange for something tangible. The money is paid to the communities from the second phase of the Low Carbon Development Strategy, called LCDS 2030. This strategy is the plan by which the government intends to develop Guyana while upholding its promise to protect the natural environment.
The money the Indigenous communities are getting is separate from the billions that go into the development of the communities through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, which is especially set up to spearhead the development of Guyana’s Indigenous people.
And per the LCDS, the communities are to receive 15% of whatever earnings Guyana rakes in from the sale of carbon credits. The remaining 85% is for national development projects, like mega canals to help with flood protection efforts.
Jagdeo, however, explained that over the past two years, the government was disbursing more than 15% of the funds to the Indigenous communities.
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will once again host the prestigious CARICOM Classic Team Chess Tournament from June 30 to July 7, 2025, at its official venue, the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre.
An Open competition for junior players under 16 will run alongside the main event, creating an invaluable opportunity for more young chess enthusiasts to gain international competitive experience.
The CARICOM Classic, a collaboration between the Guyana Chess Federation and the CARICOM Secretariat, invites chess players from CARICOM nations, along with top local chess players, to compete in a nine-round Classical Swiss format of the game, each team vying for a chance to place in the top three positions.
The U-16 chess competition promises to have a host of young Guyanese players who will get a chance to shine and compete among other players their age.
The GCF, in its aim to promote chess in Guyana and the Caribbean region, hosted the first instalment of the CARICOM Classic Chess tournament in 2024 to coincide with CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, attracting participants from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominica, St. Lucia, Bahamas and the Cayman Islands.
The Trinidad and Tobago team took home the first-place trophy, while Guyana came second and Barbados placed third.
“This successful tournament paved the way for our CARICOM brothers and sisters to compete among themselves and provided an opportunity to foster and solidify stronger friendships among the Caribbean nations,” the GCF said in a release.
“The Federation’s goal is to establish the CARICOM Classic as a biennial event, strategically held in the years between Chess Olympiads. This year, the GCF has chosen to host the competition (the next CARICOM tournament is earmarked for 2027) as the next Chess Olympiad is scheduled for 2026.”
The participating teams will enjoy a week-long stay at the prestigious Pegasus Hotel, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
GCF executives with Mr. Brandon Badal (centre), Managing Director, Pegasus Hotel Guyana
The tournament itself will take place in the Exhibition Centre of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, a venue renowned for its modern amenities and exquisite design, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for all competitors.
Brandon Badal, Managing Director, commented that the CARICOM Chess Tournament is a remarkable initiative that not only celebrates the spirit of competition, but also strengthens regional unity through the game of chess.
He stated that the Pegasus Hotel is proud to sponsor the Guyana Chess Federation in hosting this important event at Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, and commended the federation’s efforts in promoting chess as a tool for education, strategic thinking, and youth development across the Caribbean.
“The GCF expresses profound thanks to the Pegasus Hotel Guyana for generously providing their exceptional venue for both tournaments,” the GCF highlighted.
The GCF also extends it sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission for their unwavering support and invaluable sponsorship of the CARICOM Classic tournament.
“Thank you to APAN Energy who has substantially supported the CARICOM tournament, CB Group of Companies and NTS Amega Global. The GCF is heartened by the sponsorship received from these companies and the support they have expressed for the development of chess in Guyana.”
Archery Guyana last weekend welcomed a new affiliation in Bow Nation Archery Club, labelling it “a warm and symbolic gesture of unity and growth.”
The event, hosted over breakfast, brought together the leadership of Archery Guyana and the newly affiliated Bow Nation in an atmosphere of camaraderie, vision-sharing and commitment to the advancement of the sport.
President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, in delivering remarks, stated, “Today marks a significant milestone, not just for Bow Nation Archery Club, but for the entire archery community in Guyana.”
She emphasised the importance of such moments that embody unity, development and the shared love of archery.
Persaud-McKinnon commended Bow Nation for its visible enthusiasm and initiative.
“To the members and directors of Bow Nation: thank you for your passion, your vision, and your commitment to aligning with the standards of the national federation,” she noted.
“On behalf of the Executive Committee of Archery Guyana, I extend heartfelt congratulations, and I invite you to continue working alongside the National Federation to ensure archery becomes a strong pillar of opportunity and transformation across Guyana.”
President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (second right) presents the Certificate of Affiliation to Bow Nation’s President, Jeewanram Persaud. Watching on are Archery Guyana Directors Saeed Karim (left) and Ryan McKinnon
The highlight of the morning was the official presentation of the Certificate of Affiliation to Bow Nation’s President, Jeewanram Persaud, by Persaud-McKinnon- an act that formally sealed the club’s standing as an affiliated club of the national federation.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Bow Nation was Secretary Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud, who expressed sincere gratitude to Archery Guyana’s Board of Directors for their guidance and support.
She reaffirmed Bow Nation’s commitment to upholding the values and principles of the national federation and pledged to work in harmony with Archery Guyana in fostering discipline, excellence and opportunity in the sport.
Boodhoo-Persaud also formally introduced the executive members of Bow Nation Archery Club as follows:
President- Jeewanram Persaud
Vice President- Juanita Persaud
Secretary- Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud
Treasurer- Bibi Gani
Executive Members- Mehendra Chatargum, Faraad Gani, Melesa Ramnaraine and Sean Duncan
Also in attendance were Directors of Archery Guyana, Ryan McKinnon and Saeed Karim, who expressed their support and encouragement to the new club executives, reinforcing the Federation’s commitment to inclusive growth and collaborative development across all regions.
The morning concluded with light networking and shared dialogue, with both entities looking forward to fruitful collaborations and the continued growth of archery in Guyana.
Yujraj Ram, a 17-year-old student of the Anna Regina Multilateral School, died on Tuesday after he was struck down by a minibus along the Dartmouth Public Road, Region Two.
Police Headquarters said the accident involved a minibus (#BAC 597), owned and driven by a 34-year-old male resident of Charity Squatting Area, and Ram.
The minibus was reportedly proceeding north on the Dartmouth public road. According to the driver, the 17-year-old disembarked from another minibus that was proceeding in the opposite direction. After disembarking, the teenager proceeded to walk out from behind the minibus, but upon seeing the approaching minibus (# BAC 597), the teenager stopped briefly and then tried to run across the road.
The minibus collided with the 17-year-old, who fell onto the roadway and received injuries to his body.
He was picked up in an unconscious condition by the minibus driver, who took him to the Oscar Joseph Charity Public Hospital. He was seen and examined by a doctor for head trauma and was bleeding from his nose and mouth.
The 17-year-old later succumbed to his injuries at about 15:20 hrs, whilst receiving medical attention. The body is at the Oscar Joseph Charity Hospital’s Mortuary, awaiting a Post-Mortem Examination.
The minibus driver is in custody at the Charity Police Station, assisting with the investigation.
The Guyana Police Force on Tuesday night said Adriana Younge’s death has been officially ruled a drowning with no signs of foul play, based on the final report submitted by the three pathologists.
However, the young girl’s remains were flown to New York this week for a second autopsy to be done.
Younge, 11, who was reported missing and later found dead in the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo on April 24.
See below the full release from the Guyana Police Force:
The Guyana Police Force wishes to confirm that the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge has been officially ruled a drowning, with no signs of foul play, according to the final post-mortem report submitted today by the three internationally renowned Pathologists to investigators.
Younge’s body was discovered on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool of the Double Day International Hotel. The certified findings from the autopsy confirmed that her death was consistent with drowning, and no evidence of trauma, assault, or any other criminal activity was found.
Moreover, the above findings support an earlier report submitted by Mr. Leonard McCoshan (retired) Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigator who concluded that there is “𝐧𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.”
Adriana, a female of mixed ancestry, was reportedly last seen by her grandmother at approximately 13:01 hours on April 23, 2025, in the hotel’s swimming pool. Her body was found floating in the same pool the following morning.
Upon learning of the incident, the Guyana Police Force launched a thorough investigation. The child’s family raised several concerns, citing her ability to swim and alleging the possibility of sexual assault, forced drowning elsewhere, and ritualistic activity. These concerns were taken seriously and fully explored in collaboration with forensic experts.
A comprehensive postmortem examination, including toxicology and DNA testing, was carried out. Key findings include:
No signs of acute injury or trauma were present.
Toxicology results showed ethanol levels consistent with postmortem decomposition.
Sexual assault kit and DNA analysis for potential suspects were negative.
Skin and airway changes were in line with prolonged submersion and drowning.
There was no evidence of restraint, struggle, removal, and return of the body.
The Pathologists concluded that Adriana Younge drowned, likely sank to the bottom of the pool, and later surfaced due to natural decomposition processes common in tropical climates.
The detectives are currently preparing the investigative case file for submission to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for her perusal and legal opinion.
The Guyana Police Force extends heartfelt condolences to the Younge family and remains committed to transparency and justice.
Daniel Seeram, who is an Executive Member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Chairman of Region Four, has endorsed President Dr. Irfaan Ali for a second term.
Seeram signalled his support for President Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“After fruitful discussions and careful considerations on matters of National and Regional development, I am pleased to endorse President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for a second term to lead the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
“God Bless the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” Seeram said.
See below the full release from the Private Sector Commission (PSC):
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) acknowledges the official announcement by His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, that General and Regional Elections will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025.
The PSC recognises the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections in preserving democracy and fostering the continued development of our nation. In keeping with our longstanding commitment to good governance and democratic principles, the PSC is pleased to announce that we intend to deploy an Independent Electoral Observer Mission, duly accredited by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to observe the conduct of the upcoming elections.
Our Observer Mission will be composed of qualified and impartial individuals drawn from a broad cross-section of the private sector. The mission will monitor key aspects of the electoral process before, during, and after polling day to ensure compliance with the laws and internationally accepted standards for democratic elections.
The PSC reaffirms its non-partisan stance and reiterates its commitment to supporting an environment of peace, respect, and civic responsibility throughout the electoral period. We urge all political stakeholders, state agencies, and the electorate to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and tolerance in the interest of national unity and democratic stability.
, Managing Director, Pegasus Hotel Guyana</p>
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GCF executives with Mr. Brandon Badal (centre), Managing Director, Pegasus Hotel Guyana
President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (second right) presents the Certificate of Affiliation to Bow Nation’s President, Jeewanram Persaud. Watching on are Archery Guyana Directors Saeed Karim (left) and Ryan McKinnon