Public Outcry Grows as Autopsy Underway for Adrianna Younge in Guyana

Protests erupted outside a mortuary in Georgetown, Guyana, as pathologists autopsied 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose body was found in a hotel pool last week. The public demanded justice while calls for an independent police investigation gain traction amid a political response to the tragedy.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – A tense atmosphere has enveloped the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) mortuary as protestors took to the streets on Monday, blocking access while three foreign forensic pathologists conducted an autopsy on 11-year-old Adrianna Younge. The girl’s lifeless body was discovered in a hotel pool situated at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo last week, prompting calls for justice that reverberated across the nation. Among the protestors were individuals beating drums and chanting slogans, making their demands for accountability clear.

A CT scan was performed on Adrianna’s body prior to her arrival at the GPH mortuary for the expected four-hour autopsy. The Guyanese government employed two forensic experts, Dr. Glenn A. Rudner and Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, to oversee the investigation, while Dr. Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner from Delaware, joined at the request of the family. Furthermore, the family insisted that Dr. Caleb Mc Cloggan, an endocrinologist, witness the autopsy proceedings. “At 12:30 (local time) they will begin the process,” affirmed Dr. Mc Cloggan, asking the protestors for patience.

In a separate development, Opposition legislator Amanza Walton-Desir expressed urgency for the National Assembly to engage in a debate concerning a petition for an independent investigation into the Guyana Police Force’s handling of the case. Walton-Desir highlighted the public outcry regarding perceived failures by law enforcement, as outlined in a petition backed by the Guyana Human Rights Association.

However, parliamentary Speaker Manzoor Nadir clarified that the petition could not be debated due to its late submission, which coincided with the Assembly’s convening. All petitions must undergo scrutiny by the Clerk of the National Assembly before they are eligible for discussion. The motion calls not only for an independent investigation but also for the temporary suspension of the Police Commissioner and comprehensive reforms to restore public trust.

In the aftermath of the incident, there have been notable consequences. Following the public outcry, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall, Region Three Commander, has been placed on administrative leave, and three other police officers are under close arrest. Additionally, both the hotel owner and staff members were questioned, and reports indicate that both the hotel and a property associated with the hotelier were set ablaze.

The case of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge’s tragic death has sparked significant public outrage in Guyana, leading to protests demanding justice. As forensic experts conduct an autopsy to ascertain the cause of her death, calls for an independent investigation into police actions have gained momentum. The incident has raised broader concerns about accountability and public trust in law enforcement, emphasizing the need for reform in the system. In response to the outcry, officials have initiated personnel changes within the police force and are navigating a political landscape that demands transparency and justice.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com