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Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo accused the PNC-led political opposition of orchestrating the chaos that unfolded Monday, noting that violence was instigated while people’s emotions ran high.

Speaking on Wednesday, Dr Jagdeo said the opposition mobilised individuals to incite unrest, dismissing claims by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton that the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had infiltrated protests and engaged in looting.

“It is not surprising that Norton would make such accusations,” Jagdeo said.

“This is a tactic they have used before… putting vulnerable individuals on the frontlines to create mayhem.”

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: 17 remanded for attempting to incite terror in Georgetown

According to Jagdeo, intelligence reports indicated that individuals spreading terror and committing acts of arson were acting under centralised instructions.

“They were seen riding around on motorcycles, moving in a coordinated fashion. This was not a spontaneous protest. It was mobilised,” he stated.

There were protests following the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge and the release of the autopsy findings. However, Jagdeo contended that some persons capitalised on the tense situation and engaged in violent political maneuvering.

“They paid people to cause destruction. This is a well-established pattern of behaviour,” he claimed.

Several Chinese-owned supermarkets were looted and set alight, private vehicles were attacked, and major roadways were blocked using burning debris during the disturbance.

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Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, stating that while the cause of death has been established as drowning, the circumstances surrounding how she died remain unclear.

Jagdeo said that while the autopsy report confirms that she died from drowning, only a full investigation will provide the answers her grieving family desperately seeks.

“Now we know the cause of death, we need to find out how she died,” Dr Jagdeo said on Wednesday.

“I, myself, initially believed the child was murdered. For a moment, I didn’t consider drowning, but now that all the pathologists agree it was drowning, we have to follow the science.”

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

He reminded the public that President Dr. Irfaan Ali has already vowed that a thorough investigation will be done. Jagdeo said the forensic autopsy was a necessary part of that probe.

Adriana Younge’s body was found after she had reportedly been swimming at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen. Her family has raised multiple concerns regarding the events leading up to her death.

In response, Dr Jagdeo said the government remains committed to uncovering the full truth, whether or not foul play was involved.

“I have seen the anguish on the faces of her mother and father.

“They need to know whether there was foul play or not. The truth is owed to them more than anyone else,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice-President also addressed claims made on social media, including reports that Adriana suffered broken bones and internal injuries. These claims were dismissed following a CT scan and X-ray that found no fractures or trauma inconsistent with drowning. Jagdeo confirmed that the trauma visible on her knees and arms in photographs was deemed consistent with drowning by the forensic pathologists involved.

Three international pathologists conducted the post-mortem examination, which lasted five hours and was recorded on video. Present were a family doctor, a nurse, and a lawyer representing the family. Additional tissue samples have been sent for toxicology analysis, and the full results are still pending.

There was worry she was sexually assaulted — but that was ruled out. There was also speculation about cotton in her nose, but that too was investigated and found to be false.

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A 23-year-old man was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to robbing a female police officer at knifepoint.

Videsh Persaud, of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he admitted to the offence of robbery under arms.

The court heard that around 19:00 hrs on Tuesday evening, Persaud accosted Police Constable Abigail Valentine on Quamina Street, Georgetown, as she was on her way to work. Armed with a knife, he relieved her of her mobile phone and handbag, which together were valued at $43,000.

However, shortly after the robbery, members of the public confronted Persaud. Upon realising that his victim was a police officer, he returned the stolen items.

During his court appearance Wednesday morning, Persaud pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, telling the magistrate that he had already returned the stolen belongings. When asked if he had anything to say before sentencing, he pleaded for mercy and apologised for his actions.

This was Persaud’s first offence, and taking that into consideration, Magistrate Azore sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment.

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Brutus’ wife, Adonika Aulder at Court

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has expressed concern over what he described as the excessive and questionable adjournments in the ongoing legal proceedings involving Adonika Aulder, the wife of former Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus.

Speaking during his weekly ‘Issues in the News’ programme on Tuesday night, Nandlall highlighted the repeated delays in the case, particularly related to Aulder’s failure to return to Guyana after being granted permission to travel overseas for medical treatment.

“This matter continues to attract national attention, not just for the volume of public funds involved, but because of how the case is proceeding,” said Nandlall.

“We are now being told the accused is awaiting a passport – several months after leaving the jurisdiction for what was supposed to be urgent medical care.”

Aulder left Guyana for the United States after the Magistrate’s Court granted her permission to do so, despite an earlier refusal from the High Court. She was required to return after treatment, but her prolonged stay has now prompted fresh concerns.

The matter was most recently addressed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 17, where Aulder appeared virtually before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.

During the hearing, Aulder informed the court that she had applied for a U.S. passport and was awaiting its issuance — a process her attorney, Dominic Bess, estimated could take up to two months. Magistrate McGusty requested a copy of the application receipt to verify the claim and adjourned the case until May 16, 2025.

Aulder is facing two charges of money laundering, with prosecutors alleging that she deposited $473 million in illicit funds between December 2023 and July 2024 into accounts linked to her businesses. She is also implicated in a broader fraud case involving her husband, in which 221 Guyana Police Force payment vouchers were allegedly used to defraud the state. She was put on $1 million bail and had been required to surrender her passport as part of the conditions.

Nandlall, while emphasising that he was not criticising the judiciary, noted that the delays risk undermining public confidenc.

“This case has received regional recognition for the quality of investigation, even being acknowledged by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force. Yet we now face delay after delay over something as basic as a passport.”

“This is not a trivial matter,” he added. “Hundreds of millions of public dollars are involved. It is my duty to raise these issues on behalf of the public.”

The Attorney General reiterated his call for more timely and decisive handling of such high-profile matters, saying that justice delayed risks becoming justice denied.

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Berbice played unbeaten on Sunday last to win the Guyana leg of the annual Caribbean Airlines T10 Village Cricket Tournament at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road, Georgetown.

The Berbicians won both their games, in the process toppling defending champions Demerara, who not only won the Guyana leg in 2024, but also copped the regional title.

With their success, Berbice will now face champion teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Antigua in the regional final on June 1 in Trinidad.

Below are the summarised scores from the games played.

GAME ONE: Demerara defeated Essequibo by 10 wickets 

SUMMARY: Essequibo 52-7 from 10 overs (Tulsiram Premnauth 17, Royan Fredericks 10; Jamal Gomes 1-8, John Persaud 1-8, Anand Bharat 1-9, Yeudestir Persaud 1-11) vs Demerara 56-0 from 5.5 overs (Shemroy Barrington 35*, Andrew Lyght Jr. 17*)

GAME TWO: Berbice defeated Essequibo in Super Over 

SUMMARY: Essequibo 72-8 from 10 overs (Besham Moses 19, Trevon Garraway 18, Royan Fredericks 17; Davindra Lalsa 3-10, Omeish Mathura 2-15, Devendra Ramoutar 1-13, Abdool Subhan 1-18) vs Berbice 72-7 from 10 overs (Kevon Jawahir 18, Philbert Wilburg 17, Davindra Lalsa 14; Trevon Garraway 2-18, Oris Roberts 1-10, Besham Moses 1-11, Raydon Austin 1-12, Mark Gonsalves 1-19) In the Super Over, Berbice made 8-2 and Essequibo responded with 6-2

GAME THREE: Berbice defeated Demerara by three wickets

SUMMARY: Demerara 62-9 from 10 overs (Shemroy Barrington 11, John Persaud 10*; Devendra Ramoutar 2-5, Davindra Lalsa 2-9, Omeish Mathura 2-16, Kevon Jawahir 1-10, Devon Clements 1-21) vs Berbice 64-7 from 10 overs (Devon Clements 14, Abdool Subhan 10; Anand Bharat 3-9, John Persaud 2-25, Dexter George 1-8)

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Grand Coastal Hotel is proud to announce its recognition in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2025, ranking among the top 10% of hotels worldwide. This prestigious honor celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travelers and diners around the globe. 

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor’s authority is built on genuine, community-driven reviews. This award reflects a year of positive traveler feedback and highlights Grand Coastal Hotel as a trusted favorite for local and international guests.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Tripadvisor and extend heartfelt thanks to every guest who shared their experiences with us,” said Kevin Daby, CEO of Grand Coastal Hotel. This award reflects our incredible team, who go above and beyond every day to create memorable stays for our guests. Travelers’ Choice is not just a badge—it’s a validation of our mission to offer personalized, warm, and exceptional hospitality in Guyana. We’re proud to represent the best of our region.” 

“Congratulations to Grand Coastal Hotel on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025,” said Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive your business in 2025 and beyond.” (Grand Coastal press release)

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Mark Anthony Benjamin, a 37-year-old Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident, died on Tuesday evening after he was reportedly shot in his head by suspect, Hosea Salmon.

Police Headquarters reported that Benjamin and Salmon knew each other. They reportedly had an altercation at about 18:40 hrs and Salmon shot Benjamin. Thereafter, Salmon escaped.

Benjamin was later pronounced dead, and his body is at the Memorial Gardens Mortuary awaiting an autopsy.

Police said the suspect is being pursued as investigations continue.

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Guyana Rainforest Rangers suffered a third straight defeat in the West Indies Breakout T20 League, losing to Jamaica Titans by three runs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday afternoon.

Set a target of 167 for their first win, Rainforest Rangers fell short at 163-8.

Click here to view scorecard

Debutant Zeynul Ramsammy kept Rainforest Rangers in the game with an unbeaten 44 off 43 balls (2x4s, 1×6), but with five needed to win off the final ball, Nial Smith was run out scampering for a second run.

Skipper Kemol Savory made 25 off 29 (1×6), opener Rivaldo Clarke scored 24 off 15 (3x4s, 1×6) and the in-form Kevlon Anderson 21 off 14 (4x4s).

Bowling for Jamaica Titans, Anthony Dacres took 2-23 and Zion Brathwaite 2-24.

Titans’ innings was built on a 31-ball 51 from Kirk McKenzie, who copped the Player-of-the-Match award. McKenzie struck five fours and two sixes in the only half-century of the game.

Andrew Rambarran (36), Jordan Johnson (30) and Zion Brathwaite (29) also chipped in to lift Titans to the winning total.

Bowling for Rainforest Rangers, Jediah Blades took 3-25, Nial Smith 2-29, Kevin Sinclair 1-31 and Ashmead Nedd 1-36.

Next up for the Rainforest Rangers is a clash against the Leeward Islands Thunders on May 4 from 19:00h at the same venue.

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See below full release from the Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore: 

In this hour of grief and uncertainty, I write to you not only as your mayor but as a member of a community that is mourning, questioning, and, above all, seeking justice.

The recent autopsy findings in the heartbreaking case of young Adriana Younge, who died under deeply suspicious circumstances, have shaken us, all, to our core. Her death is not only a tragedy but a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibility we all share in safeguarding the dignity and safety of every citizen, especially our young people.

However, while we demand clarity, accountability, and answers, we must not allow our pain to spiral into chaos. In the hours following the autopsy report, our city has witnessed a troubling rise in criminal activity—acts born of anger, frustration, and perhaps even despair. I understand these
emotions. We all do. But violence will not bring Adriana back. It will only deepen the wounds we are struggling to heal. This is an important fact that must influence our actions to get to the bottom of this tragedy.

Let me be clear: we condemn all criminal behaviour, regardless of motive. Georgetown will not be held hostage by fear. We, at the city council, would take all lawful necessary measures to ensure public safety.

It is important that we walk a path where justice is pursued through lawful means and community action; not through destruction. Justice must not be driven by rage, but by serious and intentional resolve.

Therefore, I am calling for a period of calm, reflection, and collective mourning. I urge our faith leaders, civil society, youth groups, and families to come together in peace. Let us hold vigils, not riots. Let us raise voices, not weapons. Let us honor Adriana’s memory by fighting for a future where no parent buries a child under such suspicion or silence.

As a nation, let us seek the truth, let us demand justice. However, in all that we do we must preserve the unity and peace that are the heart of our beloved city

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