Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, has issued a scathing statement condemning the government and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) over the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose body was discovered on Wednesday, April 24, in a swimming pool at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, Region Three.
Calling the incident a “tragic and senseless murder,” Norton expressed deep sorrow and outrage, accusing the police of engaging in a cover-up. He described the response of law enforcement as “complicit,” adding that this is the second such tragedy at the same location.
“It is apposite to note that this is the second such crime at this said venue. The GPF is clearly complicit in the attempted cover-up of this crime and cannot be trusted or allowed to investigate,” Norton said during a press conference on Friday. He further accused Region 3 police of attempting to disperse residents from the scene, which he believes was an effort to tamper with evidence.
Norton also took aim at President Irfaan Ali, claiming his visit to the grieving family and promises of action mirror previous unfulfilled commitments made in other high-profile cases such as the Henry boys, Haresh Singh, Orin Boston, Quindon Bacchus, and others.
“These repeated promises have yielded no meaningful outcomes,” Norton stated, asserting that public confidence in the justice system has eroded under the current administration.
The PNCR leader called for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken and demanded the involvement of an independent international investigative body, such as the FBI, to probe the circumstances surrounding Adrianna’s death.
Norton also rejected the President’s move to invite a pathologist to perform the autopsy, arguing that the individual must be selected in consultation with the family and community and must be independent of both the government and police.
Guyana Standard understands that the Younge family has already refused the intervention of that pathologist, resulting in a delay of the autopsy until further notice.
In highlighting broader issues of crime, accountability, and governance, Norton said the government has failed to create a safe environment for citizens, especially children. He also called for justice not only for Adrianna but for other victims of police or state-linked violence, naming several cases that have not seen closure or accountability.
“We reiterate our call for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner of Police and those complicit in this systemic failure to protect our children and all citizens,” the statement stressed.
Norton further demanded that the owner and all others connected to the Double Day Hotel be held accountable if found culpable in the child’s death.
