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In a decisive move, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) announced Saturday that all missing person reports will now be acted upon immediately—scrapping the long-criticised 24-hour waiting period.

The Office of the Commissioner of Police has formally implemented a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at streamlining and strengthening the national response to reports of missing children and persons. The directive applies across all police divisions, stations, outposts, and the Missing Children/Persons Unit (MCPU).

This reform reflects global best practices and a human-rights-centred approach, with special attention to vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

Among the core provisions of the SOP:

• Immediate Response: All reports of missing persons must be acted upon without delay. No mandatory 24-hour waiting period is required.
• Red Alert Activation: Reports involving missing children will trigger an immediate Red Alert, prompting a coordinated national response.
• High-Risk Classification: Children, elderly persons, and individuals deemed vulnerable will be automatically categorised as high-risk, resulting in rapid deployment of additional resources.
• Interagency Collaboration: The Police Force will work in close coordination with the Child Care and Protection Agency, Immigration Department, healthcare providers, shelters, and other key partners to deliver a holistic and effective response.
• Public Communication: The Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) will release timely and accurate information to the public regarding missing persons, once cleared by the Commissioner’s Office.
• Senior Oversight: Divisional Commanders and the MCPU will be tasked with daily oversight and continuous updates on active cases until each is resolved.

The Commissioner of Police will also ensure that heads of all related security and emergency services — including Defence, Fire, and Prisons — are immediately notified in incidents involving children or other high-risk individuals.

Officers who fail to follow the SOP without valid justification will face administrative review and possible disciplinary action under the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01.

This renewed commitment by the GPF reaffirms its pledge to protect all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, with urgency, compassion, and accountability. Members of the public are encouraged to report missing persons promptly and to provide any relevant information that could aid in their safe recovery.

The post No 24-hour waiting period for missing person reports – Top Cop appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has publicly declared its full support for players Veerasammy Permaul and Kevlon Anderson, who are pursuing legal action in the High Court of Guyana to clear their names following a controversial incident during a recent Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day Tournament match.

SEE PRESS RELEASE FROM GUYANA CRICKET BOARD: 

Veerasammy Permaul And Kevlon Anderson Denies Ball-Tampering Charges

– Approaches High Court of Guyana To Clear Their Names

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wishes to publicly express its full support for players Veerasammy Permaul and Kevlon Anderson, who have approached the High Court of Guyana in a bid to clear their names following a controversial incident during the recent Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day Tournament fixture between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago played at the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad.

The match, which effectively served as the tournament final, was of great significance, with the championship title at stake. However, events on and off the field have cast a cloud over what should have been a celebration of West Indies cricket at its highest domestic level.

Both Permaul and Anderson were charged under the CWI Code of Conduct and, based on the documents filed in the High Court, were allegedly pressured into accepting a guilty plea by the Trinidadian Match Referee, Mr. Michael Ragoonath. They were reportedly given two options:

1. Plead guilty and accept a fine.
2. Insist on a hearing / trial and the Referee will impose a fine of 100% of the match fee and a ban.

Faced with this representation from the Referee, the two players formed the opinion that they had no choice but to plead guilty to the charge, despite previously submitting written denial to the Referee, and in the case of Permaul, maintaining his innocence at the hearing. Anderson was not afforded a hearing.

This lack of due process and the absence of a fair and transparent hearing is deeply troubling. The GCB considers the actions of the match officials (which includes the on-field umpires) to be unprofessional, unethical, and a serious breach of procedural fairness.

The Guyana Cricket Board is profoundly disappointed by the handling of this matter in Trinidad and expected a much higher standard of governance, particularly in CWI’s premier domestic tournaments.

In light of these events, both players have taken the bold and commendable step of seeking justice through the High Court, aiming to restore their reputations and ensure such incidents do not recur.

The GCB stands firmly in support of justice, fair play, and the rights of its players, and will continue to advocate for good governance, transparency and accountability at all levels of the sport.

This application was filed by Attorney-at-law Arudranauth Gossai.”

The post Backed by GCB, Anderson and Permaul head to court to clear ball-tampering charges appeared first on News Room Guyana.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his commitment to full transparency and impartiality in the ongoing investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, assuring her grieving family that all their requests surrounding her autopsy will be fully respected.

On Saturday, President Ali paid a second visit to the family – including Adrianna’s mother, aunt, and grandmother – offering his condolences and engaging them in a heartfelt discussion. He reiterated the government’s commitment to justice and promised that independent professionals would be involved.

The family has consistently called for an independent pathologist to carry out the post-mortem examination. President Ali made it clear that there is “absolutely no issue” with such a request. He assured them that he personally supports the pursuit of truth and that the government is committed to facilitating an impartial process.

“All of us want the truth, and that is the only thing I’m interested in,” the President told the family. “This is being handled with the utmost respect and transparency.”

He added that the family’s lawyer submitted a letter with specific requests regarding the pathologist and medical oversight. That letter has since been forwarded to the Chief Medical Officer, who will make contact with the independent expert selected by the family.

“Everything will be recorded and properly observed – there will be no missteps,” President Ali stated. “As many witnesses as the family deems medically permissible will be accommodated. Every request surrounding the post-mortem will be honoured as far as possible.”

In an earlier statement, the Guyana Police Force confirmed that the Younge family has selected an independent pathologist, who is expected to arrive in Guyana on Sunday, April 27. The post-mortem examination is likely to be conducted on Monday in the presence of both the independent pathologist and the police-appointed medical examiner.

The Guyana Police Force has pledged to provide regular updates as the investigation continues.

When contacted by the News Room, the family’s attorney, Darren Wade, declined to disclose the name of the independent pathologist but confirmed preparations are underway for the autopsy on Monday.

The post All of Adrianna Younge’s autopsy requests will be honoured – President affirms appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Marking a significant milestone in the transformation of healthcare delivery in Guyana’s hinterland, the Ministry of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony on Friday officially commissioned the new Annai District Hospital in the Upper Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The hospital is now fully equipped and staffed to deliver a comprehensive range of medical services, including outpatient care, inpatient services, accident and emergency treatment, maternal and child health, non-communicable disease management, laboratory and diagnostic testing, pharmacy services, general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dental care, and radiology services (X-ray and ultrasound).

The ribbon cutting to open the facility that will upgrade healthcare infrastructure throughout Region Nine. (Photo: Ministry of Health)

During a community ceremony. Dr Anthony emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across the nation.

“Today is a day of celebration,” Minister Anthony stated. “What began as a modest health centre has now evolved into a full-fledged district hospital—equipped with a state-of-the-art surgical theatre, enhanced laboratory services, advanced imaging technologies, and modern staff accommodations.”

The new hospital houses cutting-edge diagnostic tools. (Photo: Ministry of Health)

The facility, representing a $236 million investment, forms part of a broader $450 million regional initiative to upgrade healthcare infrastructure throughout Region Nine. This includes the provision of four new ambulances and several all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to boost emergency medical response in remote areas.

Additional developments across the region include the deployment of cutting-edge diagnostic tools. These feature a new digital x-ray system and a mammography unit at Lethem Hospital, as well as AI-assisted malaria detection technology introduced in collaboration with Harvard University.

“These advancements mean residents no longer have to cross borders in search of healthcare,” Dr. Anthony said. “We are now seeing patients coming to us because the quality of care in Region Nine has significantly improved.”

This facility will respond to the medical needs of the region. (Photo: Ministry of Health)

The Ministry also used the occasion to encourage greater participation in the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, now expanded to include women up to age 45. The initiative is a key part of the government’s strategy to reduce cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Guyana.

”Progress is not just a concept—it’s action,” Dr. Anthony concluded. “We are not only talking about transformation; we are delivering it.”

Also present at the recommissioning were Dr Cerdel Mc Watt, Regional Health Officer (RHO); Bryan Allicock, Regional Chairman and Mr Micheal Gouveia, Hinterland Coordinator, Regional Health Services.

The post New Annai District Hospital Commissioned appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The post Commander Mandall sent on leave, three ranks under close arrest as probe into death of Adrianna Younge continues appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full statement issued by the Office of the Police Commissioner – Clifton Hicken:

The Guyana Police Force wishes to update the public that the probe continues in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death of Adriana Younge.

Thus far, the investigators have contacted and questioned a number of individuals, including the proprietor of Double Day Hotel and Bar and his employees. A number of police ranks of Regional Division #3 were also questioned.

Additionally, a security guard attached to the hotel, along with a swimming instructor, was interviewed by detectives.

At this juncture, the investigators are still interviewing persons who can assist with the investigations.

It is significant to note that the Guyana Police Force is also awaiting the arrival of another independent pathologist who was identified by family members of the deceased to perform the post-mortem examination.

The post-mortem examination is an important aspect of the investigation in order to confirm the cause of death of Adriana Younge.

Finally, an administrative decision was taken on today’s date (Friday, April 25, 2025) to reassign Assistant Commissioner, Commander of Regional Division #3, Mr. Khalid Mandall to Regional Division #4B. Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Mahindra Siewnarine has been posted to Regional Division #3 as Commander.

Guyana Police Force will provide updates as the investigations unfold.

The post Police Commissioner breaks silence on probe into death of Adrianna Younge appeared first on News Room Guyana.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reiterated that every available resource is being directed to uncover the truth surrounding the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge. However, he said that acts of looting and destruction will not be condoned.

In an invited comment, President Ali said:

“Let me be unequivocally clear — every emphasis and resource in finding out the truth surrounding the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge is being made available and is our foremost priority”

‘This One Will Not Slide’ – Guyanese united as a nation demanding answers

While acknowledging the public’s right to express grief and demand justice, the President warned against lawlessness:

“However, looting and destruction of private and public property and infrastructure will not be tolerated. This behaviour will not be encouraged. Anyone found in breach of the law will face consequences.”

The ongoing protests, which began on Thursday and continue outside the Leonora Police Station, have disrupted public order and blocked major roadways, affecting the free movement of people. On Thursday, tensions escalated with the burning of debris on the roads, and there were reports of looting and damage to a hotel and the private residence of its owner.

UPDATE: Family of Adrianna Younge wants FBI or other int’l law enforcement body to probe girl’s death

The government continues to urge all citizens to allow the investigative process to proceed, assuring the public that justice and transparency remain central to the administration’s response.

The post Every emphasis & resource being directed to uncover truth, but looting & destruction cannot be tolerated — President Ali appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall has been moved from his post as Commander of Regional Police Division Three and replaced by Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahendra Siwnarine following the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

Mr. Siwnarine told the News Room on Friday afternoon that the reassignments are effective immediately.

Mr. Mandall has been reassigned to Regional Division 4B, East Bank Demerara.

There have been many calls for the resignation of Mandall due to outrage over the Police’s handling of Younge’s disappearance. There have been numerous complaints from the girl’s family that their pleas for help fell on deaf ears.

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

Moreover, Police Headquarters on Thursday afternoon admitted that details shared in an initial release were inaccurate. Police did not state what parts of the release were inaccurate.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahendra Siwnarine

In the original release, Police said officers were searching for a man, who was only known as Orlando, for questioning about the alleged abduction of Younge. The young girl was, however, found right at the hotel where her family members believed she was all along.

Younge, 11, was missing and later found dead in the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Her death, surrounded by unanswered questions and perceived institutional failures, has ignited a firestorm of national outrage that continues to escalate.

The post Death of Adrianna Younge: Commander Mandall moved from Reg. 3; Siwnarine now in charge  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The family of Adrianna Younge, through their attorney Darren Wade, demanded that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or other international law enforcement bodies be engaged by the Government of Guyana to investigate the young girl’s death.

They have also requested additional information on the pathologist brought in by the government to perform the post-mortem examination, but noted that they are in talks with North America-based pathologists who may be able to conduct the autopsy.

Younge, 11, was missing and later found dead in the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Her death, surrounded by unanswered questions and perceived institutional failures, has ignited a firestorm of national outrage that continues to escalate.

See below the full statement: 

As a result of the well establish Facts the family has no confidence in the Guyana Police Force to carry out an impartial and thorough investigation in this matter. As a consequence, I am instructed by my clients as I hereby do to demand:

1. That the State of Guyana invites the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Scotland Yard or the Royal Mounted Branch of Canada to investigate this matter.

2. That the Government of Guyana disclose whether Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul possesses postgraduate training in anatomical pathology. Furthermore, if such qualifications exist, we request confirmation as to whether he holds a subspecialty in forensic pathology, and if so, where he received his training in these disciplines.

3. That Guyana Police Force make all contact with my office. This as a result of my client complaining that the Guyana Police Force has been approaching them, and they are not comfortable with the said approaches.

4. That my office is presently in communication with a North America-based pathologists and they appreciates the circumstances and is working among themselves for one pathologist to travel to Guyana over the weekend or possible postmortem examination on Monday.

Hence, we are asking the government to have the medical board ready and prepare to grant all necessary approvals, after the necessary documentations are presented.

‘This One Will Not Slide’ – Guyanese united as a nation demanding answers

The post UPDATE: Family of Adrianna Younge wants FBI or other int’l law enforcement body to probe girl’s death appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Chasing 167, the Guyana Rainforest Rangers appeared poised for victory after a blazing partnership between Kevlon Anderson (58 off 43 balls) and Adrian Sukhwa (57 off 43 balls), who combined for a 107-run stand in just 11.2 overs to put Guyana in a commanding position at 120-1 in the 15th over.

However, a dramatic collapse ensued, and the Rangers were restricted to 141-9 in their 20 overs in their opening match of the West Indies Breakout T20 League at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Leg-spinner Darel Cyrus was the chief destroyer for the Windward Islands Infernos, returning impressive figures of 4-37 from four overs, including crucial wickets during the late stages of the innings.

Cyrus’s tight spell turned the game on its head.

Earlier, the Infernos’ innings was stifled early, falling to 38-4 before captain Alick Athanaze’s exceptional 91* off 57 balls, featuring seven sixes and five fours, while Dillon Douglas contributed a valuable 28 from 32 balls as Windward Islands sealed the victory comfortably.

The Rangers’ inability to close out their innings cost them dearly, as their batting unit faltered in the death overs, handing Windward Islands an opening win in the league.

Guyana now turns its focus to Saturday’s clash with Trinidad and Tobago Legions at 19:00h.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/2fef47b0-b5d6-4933-a374-70b8629bd696/2

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