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As unrest grips several regions of the country, marked by the blocking of main thoroughfares, looting, the burning of debris, and widespread protests following the autopsy of Adrianna Younge on Monday, President Irfaan Ali has issued a national appeal for calm.

Speaking during a press conference from State House on Monday night, President Ali urged citizens to exercise restraint and empathy in this difficult time, while also making it clear that those responsible for acts of violence and destruction will be held accountable under the law.

“I ask that we, as a people and as a country, continue to lift the Younge family up in our prayers,” the President stated.

“Let us show and demonstrate love through prayer, as I will continue to do.”

The unrest erupted after an official autopsy confirmed that Adrianna Younge died by drowning, a conclusion that has been met with public outcry and disbelief in some quarters. Protests quickly escalated, with reports of fires on roadways, damage to private properties, and the looting of businesses and restaurants.

Independent Pathologists rule out ‘forced drowning’ in Adrianna Younge’s death

President Ali acknowledged citizens’ right to peaceful protest but condemned the violent turn some demonstrations have taken.

“We will protect every citizen’s right to peacefully demonstrate and air their concerns. However, within those rights come responsibilities. If individuals breach the law, there must and will be consequences,” he said.

The President also decried the apparent hijacking of the protests for political purposes, describing such actions as “selfish” and detrimental to national unity.

“Destruction of public infrastructure, private property, and the inconveniencing of others is not what we want as a people or as a nation. I am appealing to every citizen to let good sense prevail.”

President Ali reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served both for the Younge family and for the nation as a whole.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday said that a civilian working within a Police command centre was the source of inaccurate information that was included in an initial police report following the disappearance of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday evening, shortly after the completion of Adrianna’s autopsy, President Ali addressed public concerns over the misleading details that had been released in the hours after the child was reported missing.

He disclosed that he had requested a full report on the matter and was informed that a civilian working at the control centre had provided inaccurate information.

Still, a full review will be done.

“There will be a review of all the events, from the time the report was made to the time the body was found,” President Ali vowed.

The police initially claimed that Adrianna was taken from the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday, April 23.

Police admit details in report on Adrianna Younge were ‘inaccurate’

In the first statement, authorities claimed they received information from the Regional Division #3 Command Centre indicating that Adrianna had entered a red and black Raum motor car, registration number PSS 4684, which was seen heading east towards Vreed-en-Hoop. The vehicle’s registered owner reportedly told police that it had been rented to a man known only as “Orlando.” Efforts to locate this individual were said to be unsuccessful.

However, less than 24 hours later, the Guyana Police Force issued a follow-up statement acknowledging that certain details in their original release were inaccurate. They did not clarify which elements were false, but Adrianna was later found dead on the hotel premises, right in the pool.

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Three internationally accredited forensic pathologists have concluded that 11-year-old Adrianna Younge died as a result of drowning, and have ruled out both sexual assault and drowning by force.

The findings were disclosed during a press conference on Monday evening at State House by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony. The announcement followed a detailed post-mortem examination conducted by the independent experts earlier in the day.

The autopsy was performed by Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital, New York; Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, a government-appointed pathologist from Barbados; and Dr Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, who was chosen by Adrianna’s family.

Family’s lawyer says pathologists ‘worked in tandem’ for autopsy of Adrianna Younge

President Ali revealed that the autopsy began around 13:20 hrs and was carried out with the aim of identifying any signs of trauma, injuries, or sexual violence, as well as collecting forensic samples and determining the cause of death. The procedure was thoroughly documented via photographs and video.

In their preliminary findings, the pathologists confirmed that there were no signs of trauma or sexual assault, Adrianna’s body bore no fractures or broken bones, markings observed on her skin were consistent with death by drowning, and there was no evidence to suggest drowning by force.

The experts, however, were unable to establish an exact time of death as the body was in a state of advanced decomposition.

Toxicology tests are still pending and will form part of the final report.

Once completed and within the confines of the law, this report will be shared with Adrianna’s family and, according to President Ali, be made available, at least in part, for public scrutiny.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Younge family, attorney Darren Wade echoed the pathologists’ conclusions, stating that the post-mortem was both “meticulous and comprehensive.”

He also noted that the pathologists had initially planned to hold a media briefing to answer questions and elaborate on their findings. However, safety concerns, amid ongoing unrest and public tensions surrounding the case, prompted them to forgo that engagement.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who joined the president at the press conference, reaffirmed the high credentials of the pathologists involved, stating that all were “highly qualified and experienced professionals” in their field.

The investigation into Adrianna Younge’s death remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and urging the public to allow due process to unfold.

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Darren Wade, the legal representative of the family of Adrianna Younge, on Monday night, said that the three pathologists working on the girl’s autopsy determined that she died as a result of drowning.

And the lawyer, during a media briefing, confirmed that the pathologists all worked together and were observed by many, including family members, local authorities, and he (Wade) himself.

“They worked in tandem,” he said.

Mr. Wade also clarified that there was no evidence of sexual assault, nor were there any broken bones or fractures found on her body. According to Wade, the family was informed that the markings on Adrianna’s skin were consistent with drowning, aligning with the overall findings of the forensic investigation.

“The pathologists conducted a meticulous and comprehensive examination,” Wade said. “In fact, they went beyond the standard procedures typically followed in such cases.”

He also revealed that the pathologists were initially prepared to hold a media briefing to address all questions and provide a detailed account of their findings.

However, concerns for their safety amid ongoing unrest outside the hospital compound prevented them from doing so.

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Widespread infrastructural development is set to roll out across Georgetown as the government moves to address persistent challenges affecting residents as it relates to dilapidated roads, bridges, and clogged drains which causes flooding after heavy rain fall.

These issues were highlighted during site inspections on Saturday, led by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and a team of engineers.

Communities visited included Agricola, Container City, Rasville, Benn Kirton Drive, Rivers View, Sussex and Hill Street, Middle Road, Barbie Dam, Bamboo Drive, Meadow Brook, Kitty, Bel-Air Park, North Sophia and Merriman’s Mall.

Residents, particularly in several  wards, said many of the issues, especially poor drainage and irrigation, stemmed from what they described as neglect by the Mayor and City Council.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill alongside residents during an inspection exercise on Saturday

In response to their concerns, the public works minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to alleviating these challenges to enhance their livelihoods.

“The Government of Guyana will not neglect Georgetown or any ward in Georgetown because of the incompetence and the infantile politics of City Hall,” he emphasised stating that, “People are suffering and we will intervene. The government will do what it takes to ensure the lives and livelihoods of people are improved.”

Resident showing Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill a drain overcrowded by bush which causes flooding in the area

While engaging residents directly and inspecting roadways, drains and bridges earmarked for repairs or upgrades, the minister assured that swift action will be taken to correct deficiencies in all affected areas. The names of residents from various communities were collected to assist engineers who are expected to return to these areas shortly to conduct inspections and draft detailed plans for execution.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill inspecting bridge

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A man was found dead in a canal at Bloomfield, Corentyne, on Sunday morning.

Dead is 41-year-old Sachin Sanichar of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne.

In an interview with reporters, Sachin’s uncle, Chandishekur Sanichar, detailed receiving the devastating news just after 07 hrs.

Due to illness, Chandishekur did not visit the site where his nephew’s body was discovered.

Chandishekur stated that Sachin would occasionally consume alcohol.

He last saw his nephew alive on Friday, April 25th.

“He is a person don’t get problem with anybody. He knows everybody. He does odd jobs,” Chandishekur said.

A postmortem examination is scheduled to determine the official cause of death.

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Jacob Bethell made his return from injury as Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Delhi Capitals by six wickets to go top of the table in the Indian Premier League.

Bethell, making his IPL debut, scored 12 from eight balls at the top of the order as he played his first game since early February, when he picked up a hamstring injury.

Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli, who came together with RCB 26-3 after four overs, put on 119 to guide their side through the middle overs and accelerated towards the end to set up victory.

Krunal notched an unbeaten 73 from 47 balls while Kohli, who opened with Bethell, anchored the innings with 51 from 47 deliveries.

Kohli, playing for RCB at the ground in Delhi with a pavilion named after him, is now the top-scorer in this year’s IPL, with 443 in 10 innings.

Bethell, 21, could be in line to play in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe from 22 May after impressing in the three-Test series in New Zealand in December but the injury lay-off may put that in doubt.

His selection may also depend on RCB’s progress in the IPL, as the competition’s knockout stages overlap with the start of England’s red-ball summer.

Bethell replaced fellow England batter Phil Salt at the top of the order for RCB, who missed the game because of illness.

RCB bowled well to restrict Delhi Capitals to 162-8 in the first innings. Suyash Sharma was particularly economical, going wicketless in his four overs but only conceding 22 runs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 3-33.

KL Rahul was the pick of the Delhi batters with 41 from 39 balls.

Royal Challengers are now two points ahead of Gujarat Titans at the top, albeit having played two games more. Delhi Capitals are two points behind in fourth. (BBC)

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The Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) at the weekend called for justice and accountability in the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

In a press release on Sunday, the RCC said the tragic death of Adrianna, whose body was found in the pool at the Double Day Hotel on Thursday, underscores the urgent need for a swift, transparent, and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

“We demand that all individuals involved, including alleged perpetrators and institutions responsible for her welfare, be held fully accountable under the law. Justice for Adrianna is not negotiable—it is a moral imperative,” the RCC said.

On Saturday, the ERC in a press release said it strongly condemns the circumstances leading up to this tragedy and stands in full solidarity with the family in their call for justice.

The Ethnic Relations Commission’s Chairman, Shaikh Moeenul Hack and CEO/Secretary, Gomin Camacho visited Adrianna Younge’s family on Saturday. (Photo: Ethnic Relations Commission)

“Those involved must be held accountable and face the full extent of the law. We mourn as a nation for this beloved child of Guyana, Adrianna Younge. Whether Christian, Hindu, or Muslim, we are united in sorrow and share in the pain of the tragic loss of this innocent child,” the ERC said.

On Wednesday last, Adrianna’s family reported her missing she visited the hotel with her grandmother, Carol Xavier, and other relatives around 1:02 PM. Despite a police search shortly after her disappearance, her body was not found until early Thursday morning — floating in the same pool that had been searched the day before.

The circumstances that led to the late discovery of the girl’s body has faced public discourse about the lack of urgency following the missing person’s report and controversial activities on the ground during the search.

The RCC reiterated the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by Guyana, which guarantees that under the following articles, every child has: Article 6: “The right to life…to the maximum extent possible; Article 19: The right to protection from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Condolences were also extended by both the RCC and the ERC to Adrianna’s family, loved ones, and the many communities grappling with the untimely death of the young girl. The RCC also committed to supporting Adrianna’s family in their pursuit of justice to ensure Adrianna’s death will not be in vain.

It further committed to closely monitor the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to come forward and assist authorities.

The RCC noted that Adrianna’s case serves as a harrowing reminder of the collective duty to protect children and uphold their rights without exception.

“We call on law enforcement, judicial authorities, and social services to act urgently, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth and justice.”

It further urged communities to remain vigilant advocates for children’s safety. Importantly, persons are asked to report negligence, demand accountability, and prioritise child protection at all levels.

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Jasprit Bumrah became Mumbai Indians’ all-time leading wicket-taker as his side beat Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League by 54 runs.

The India bowler took 4-22, taking his overall tally to 174 and surpassing Lasith Malinga’s 170.

Bumrah brilliantly took three of his wickets in the 16th over of Lucknow’s innings, which ended any hopes of a successful run chase.

Ayush Badoni top-scored for Lucknow with 35 from 22 balls as they were bowled out for 161, chasing 216.

No batter for the Super Giants was able to push on, as the home side took wickets at regular intervals, with Trent Boult taking 3-20 and Will Jacks 2-18.

After losing the toss and being stuck in, Mumbai scored 215-7 to set Lucknow an imposing target.

Opener Ryan Rickelton set the tone for Mumbai with 58 from 32 balls, before Suryakumar Yadav provided the middle order flair we’ve come to expect, notching 54 from 28 deliveries.

There was also a late injection of runs from Naman Dhir, who struck an unbeaten 25 from 11 balls, including a final-ball six.

It is a fifth consecutive victory for Mumbai Indians, who move up to second in the table. Lucknow are sixth, two points off the play-off spots.

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