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Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has raised serious concerns over calls for a second autopsy in the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, despite a unanimous conclusion from three internationally acclaimed forensic pathologists that the child died by drowning.

Speaking on Friday, Dr Anthony questioned the rationale behind seeking another post-mortem when the initial examination was thorough, witnessed by family representatives, and deemed satisfactory by all parties involved—including the family’s own expert, American pathologist Dr Gary Collins.

“If everyone was satisfied with the initial autopsy, why is there now a request for another pathologist?” Dr Anthony asked. “The body was handed over to the family on Monday and is no longer under police protection. If another autopsy is done, we don’t know what may have happened to the body in that time.”

The minister warned that the integrity and legal effect of a second autopsy could be questionable, particularly since the body has not remained in official custody since the original procedure.

According to Dr Anthony, the initial autopsy was performed by a team that included Dr Collins—Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, nominated by the family—as well as Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, a UK-trained forensic pathologist serving in Barbados, and Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital, USA. All three independently and collectively concluded that Adriana died from drowning, with no signs of forced submersion or trauma.

“This was a transparent, meticulously documented process,” Dr Anthony stated. “The entire procedure was recorded on video, and the findings were shared with the family—who expressed satisfaction at every stage.”

Dr Anthony noted that the autopsy included full body scans and internal examinations, with samples sent for advanced analysis to Mount Sinai and the National Medical Services Laboratory in the United States.

Now, a fourth opinion is reportedly being sought from Trinidad and Tobago- Dr Hubert Daisley—a controversial figure previously criticised for an incorrect cause of death determination in a 2013 case, where he mistakenly attributed a death to strangulation/murder rather than an asthma complication. At the time, Trinidad’s then-Health Minister stated that Dr Daisley was not qualified as a forensic pathologist under their Medical Board.

Dr. Anthony stressed that Dr Daisley would first need accreditation from Guyana’s Medical Council before being allowed to practise locally—an independent body which must assess his qualifications and determine his fitness to perform such work.

“It seems like there are elements trying to delay this process and create controversy,” Dr Anthony added. “We have scientific evidence, credible experts, and transparency. The question is: what is the real motivation here?”

Adriana Younge was discovered dead in a swimming pool at a local hotel on 24 April during a family outing. Her body was examined on 29 April and subsequently released to her family for burial.

The government has reiterated its confidence in the findings of the original post-mortem and cautioned against undermining public trust in the process without credible reason.

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In observance of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has joined the global media community in reflecting on the theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

This year’s theme recognises the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and its transformative role in modern media. The GPA has welcomed AI’s potential as a valuable tool in journalism—enhancing research, content creation, fact-checking, and data visualisation—while also urging vigilance to safeguard press integrity and democratic values.

In a statement, the GPA noted that, amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape and shifting advertising revenues from traditional to online platforms, AI presents a unique opportunity for media outlets to generate high-quality, engaging content more cost-effectively. These innovations could strengthen media sustainability and open new avenues for monetisation, particularly for legacy media adapting to the digital era.

“AI can assist journalists and editors in producing credible, appealing content, using data to tell stories that resonate with audiences,” the Association stated. “Its role in fact-checking and analysis supports the journalistic mission of accuracy and truth.”

However, the GPA also emphasised the need for responsible AI use, advocating a balanced approach that retains the human expertise vital to ethical and professional journalism. It cautioned media houses against replacing skilled staff with automated systems, underlining the importance of preserving journalistic standards and the human judgement essential to public service reporting.

As Guyana prepares for general and regional elections later this year, the Association has issued a call for heightened awareness around misinformation and disinformation, especially content generated through AI that may appear deceptively authentic. Editors, publishers, and political stakeholders have been urged to exercise care and uphold ethical standards, ensuring that AI is not misused to manipulate public opinion or erode democratic trust.

Quoting UNESCO, the GPA highlighted both the promise and peril of AI in democratic processes: “AI offers powerful tools for combating disinformation and empowering voters, but also presents risks such as deepfakes that could undermine trust in institutions.”

Looking ahead, the GPA sees AI as a valuable asset in public relations, recommending its use in sectors such as law enforcement. The Association proposed that the Guyana Police Force explore AI technologies to present crime trends more effectively, both statistically and from a sociological perspective. With innovations such as AI-generated press releases or even humanoid robots delivering media briefings, AI could transform public engagement and policy dialogue in the future.

On this World Press Freedom Day, the Guyana Press Association reaffirms its commitment to embracing technology while defending the core values of journalism—transparency, accountability, and the public good.

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–         Questions arise over credibility as experts already agree on drowning verdict

A fourth post-mortem opinion in the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge is reportedly being sought despite three internationally recognised forensic pathologists already concluding that she died by drowning.

The new figure at the centre of controversy is Dr Hubert Daisley, a Trinidad and Tobago-based pathologist whose name surfaced on social media on Friday night.

His potential involvement has sparked concern, as Dr Daisley has previously come under fire for an incorrect cause of death determination in a high-profile case. In 2013, he publicly apologised after wrongly attributing a death to murder, when the individual had actually succumbed to asthma-related complications.

Then, Trinidad’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said Daisley was not qualified as a forensic pathologist by the Medical Board.

Adriana was found dead in a hotel swimming pool on April 24, just one day after visiting the facility with family for a day out. Her body was released to her family for burial last Monday, after three forensic experts—each with substantial international credentials— examined the body.

Those experts include Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, an internationally appointed government pathologist from Barbados, and Dr Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, who was chosen by Adriana’s family. All three ruled Adriana’s death as drowning, with no evidence of forced submersion.

Collins was, in fact, found by the family’s Lawyer, Darren Wade, and nominated by them to participate in the procedure – a decision fully supported by the government.

The emergence of Dr Daisley in the case has raised eyebrows, not only due to his past controversies, but also because both Adriana’s parents had reportedly agreed to accept the findings of the initial post-mortem examination, which was conducted in the presence of two doctors representing the family’s interests.

Some persons now speculate that political actors may be seeking to politicise the child’s death, rather than the initiative coming directly from the grieving family. Dr Daisley was previously appointed by opposition leaders in 2012 to participate in autopsies related to a politically sensitive case involving the deaths of three men in Linden, Guyana, during public unrest.

It remains unclear whether this latest move reflects new concerns from the family or represents an attempt by political figures to cast doubt on the findings for their own purposes.

The call for yet another opinion has left many questioning how many voices are needed before the truth is accepted.

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The Guyana Police Force has announced its intention to appeal a decision by the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court to grant bail to businessman Dennis Persaud, who has been charged under the Cyber Crime Act for allegedly inciting acts of terrorism.

Persaud, 37, residing at Lot 5, West Strathavon, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, was arrested on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, by ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Police Headquarters. He was formally charged on Friday, 2 May 2025, with the offence of using a computer system to incite persons to commit a terrorist act—specifically, encouraging individuals to burn speed cameras—in violation of Section 18(1)(d)(ii) of the Cyber Crime Act No. 16 of 2018.

He appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson the same day. The charge was read to him, and he was not required to enter a plea. Although the police prosecutor strongly objected to the granting of bail, the court released Persaud on $150,000 bail.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Guyana Police Force described the court’s decision as “legally untenable” and not reflective of the seriousness of the charge, which involves the use of digital platforms to incite terrorism—a matter with far-reaching implications for public safety and national infrastructure.

“The Force is of the firm view that the decision does not align with the gravity of the offence and runs counter to recent rulings by other Magistrates in similar cybercrime cases,” the statement read.

Officials further indicated that steps are already underway to challenge the bail decision, citing the need to preserve public confidence in the justice system and ensure accountability in matters relating to national security and cyberterrorism.
The matter has been adjourned until Tuesday, 3 June 2025, for report and disclosure of statements.

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A group of individuals, including a woman, were remanded to prison on Friday after being charged with acts of terrorism and cybercrime in Region Six.

Junior David, a 22-year-old fisherman from Rampoor Corriverton, Berbice, was arrested on April 28 for acts of terrorism committed in Dukestown, Corriverton. He faced Magistrate Tuana Hardy at the Whim Magistrates Court, where the charge was formally presented.

David was not required to enter a plea, and bail was refused.

The case has been postponed until May 22 and transferred to the Springlands Magistrates Court.

Additionally, a 17-year-old labourer from Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was arrested on April 30 in connection with acts of terrorism that took place on April 29 at Alness Public Road.

He appeared before Magistrate Hardy at the Whim Magistrates Court, where the charges could not be read due to his age.

The court ordered that he be placed in the custody of his grandmother.

Another 17-year-old labourer from Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was also apprehended on April 30 for acts of terrorism on April 29 at Kildonan Public Road.

Like the previous accused, he appeared before Magistrate Hardy, and while the police swore to the charges, they could not be read due to his age.

He was sent into the care of his older brother, and the matter was adjourned to June 6.

Tilawattie Singh, known as “Angela,” a 47-year-old livestock farmer from Lot 4 Ankelville, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice, was arrested on May 1 for using a computer system to incite a terrorist act that occurred on April 28 at Ankelville.

The charge is laid under section 18 (1) (d) (ii) of the Cybercrime Act No. 16 of 2018, contrary to section 18 (2) of the same act.

Tilawattie also appeared before Magistrate Hardy, where she was not required to plead.

Bail was denied, and she was remanded to prison.

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‘To be the captain would be absolutely amazing!’

The words of Guyana Harpy Eagles skipper Tevin Imlach when quizzed on whether he would consider the possibility of being West Indies Test captain.

The resignation of Kraigg Brathwaite has left a void yet to be filled, and Imlach has emerged as one of the candidates for the job, given his tremendous success with the Guyana Harpy Eagles in the West Indies Four-Day Championship.

Imlach, a wicketkeeper/batsman who played his first two Test matches against Pakistan in January, has led the Harpy Eagles to consecutive Four-Day titles, copping the title this season without losing a match.

The 28-year-old was also prolific with the bat, amassing 538 runs, the sixth most in the competition. He averaged 67.25 from 10 innings with three hundreds and a fifty.

West Indies next Test series is against Australia in the Caribbean in late June, early July.

(Video: Sportsmax Zone)

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The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has joined forces with overseas-based national player Ruth Adams to host a full day of women’s basketball activities on May 3 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, aimed at revitalising the female side of the sport in Guyana.

Adams, who hails from Plaisance and migrated to the United States at the age of eight, has built a remarkable career playing professional basketball both in the USA and Europe.

Now, she returns home with a mission to give back and inspire the next generation of female players.

The day’s activities will bounce off at 11:00h with a basketball clinic for girls of various age groups, led by Adams herself.

The clinic is part of her “What About the Girls” campaign- a personal initiative aimed at empowering and encouraging young women to pursue basketball with passion and purpose.

“The goal is to re-energise female participation in the game,” Adams said.

“There’s no shortage of talent here in Guyana, but girls need opportunities, support, and a system that believes in them. While the sport has grown, there’s still a lot of work to be done on the women’s side.”

Following the clinic, fans can look forward to a competitive women’s match-up between the University of Guyana Trojans and the Panthers, set to tip off at 15:00h.

The game will showcase some of the country’s top female talent.

GBF President Michael Singh praised Adams’ efforts and stressed the importance of her involvement.

“It’s critical for our young girls to see someone like Ruth, a daughter of the soil, who has lived the dream of playing professional basketball. Her journey is a testament to what’s possible, and we’re grateful for her commitment to giving back,” Singh said.

He added that the GBF stands fully behind initiatives like Adams’ and welcomes any collaboration that supports the growth and development of basketball in Guyana.

Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend and support the movement for greater female participation in basketball.

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Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver to take a Formula 1 pole position for the sprint event at the Miami Grand Prix.

The 18-year-old beat McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, by 0.045 seconds. The second McLaren of Lando Norris was third ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Antonelli’s team-mate George Russell was fifth fastest, 0.309secs slower than the Italian rookie.

It was an outstanding performance from Antonelli, the first time he has beaten Russell in qualifying this season, and the first time he has shown a glimpse of the huge potential Mercedes believed they saw in him when they chose him to replace Lewis Hamilton for this year.

Antonelli has taken a steady approach to the start of his career but had looked sure-footed and accomplished from the start of practice and carried that form into qualifying.

“I am over the moon,” he said. “I did not expect it.

“I was feeling good in the car. I was able to improve lap by lap and find that consistency and that gap came all together. I am super happy with that. We will enjoy this moment but I want to focus on tomorrow because I really want to try to repeat myself.”

Antonelli embraced his father Marco in the Mercedes garage as the team celebrated his achievement wildly.

“It was really nice and also to find him in the garage after qualifying,” Antonelli added.

“I am super-happy to share this moment with him. It is so important to me, he is like a rock. I can always rely on him. I would like to share it with my mum and sister as well but hopefully next time.”

Starting the sprint from pole gives him a big opportunity to convert it into a first win, given the power of clear air in F1. (BBC)

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Police have launched an investigation into the alleged murder of a 54-year-old clothes vendor, Datson Davidson, known as “Blackie”, which occurred on the evening of Thursday at the junction of Cocorite and Freeman Streets in East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Davidson, who resided on Callender Street, Albouystown, was reportedly involved in an altercation with 33-year-old shop owner Colwin Marcurius of Freeman Street, East La Penitence. The two men are said to have known each other prior to the incident.

According to preliminary reports, the argument between the men escalated at approximately 20:45 hrs. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion resembling a gunshot, after which Davidson was found lying motionless a short distance away.

Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned to the scene and Davidson was subsequently pronounced dead by a doctor.

During their investigations, police recovered a 9mm pistol, one live 9mm round, and a spent shell at the scene.

Marcurius was promptly arrested and remains in police custody as investigations continue.

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Maleah Davis, a 34-year-old mother of two, who is battling Stage 3 kidney disease is seeking a living kidney donor to help save her life. Three years ago, Davis’ life drastically changed after she was diagnosed with kidney disease but her health journey began in 2013 after she was diagnosed with hypertension while pregnant with her son.

“During pregnancy my blood pressure was always high mostly like 200 something, 100 something so I used to be in the hospital like every two weeks due to that and due to not eating right and stuff like that it get worse,” Davis told the News Room during an interview on Friday.

She explained that living with this condition has impacted her daily life resulting in her leaving her job as a taxi dispatcher.

“I can’t do some of the things I used to do before. Most of the time, I’m weak and have to rely on my mom and sister to do a lot of things for me,” she said.

Davis explained that her symptoms started in 2021 with itching, extreme thirst and tiredness.

“I was okay, just taking my blood pressure meds,” Davis explained.

Over time, her health continued to deteriorate and eventually she was diagnosed with kidney disease. Davis said doctors told her that it is a result of her hypertension. Now, she relies on weekly dialysis treatments and is urgently seeking a kidney donor since her sister is not a match. Her blood type is A+.

“I am currently seeking a donor so I can get a kidney transplant done as soon as possible,” she said.

She is urging others to eat healthy and “always get a doctor’s check-up once in a while. Check your blood pressure and sugar levels.”

If you’re interested in helping kindly contact Davis at 653-3429.

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