GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The family of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge is calling on the Guyanese government to seek help from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or other international law enforcement agencies to investigate the young girl’s tragic death.
Adrianna’s body was discovered last Thursday in the pool at Double Day Hotel and Bar, a finding that contradicts earlier police reports claiming she was last seen entering a car identified by its color and license plate number. The hotel was later set ablaze by protesting residents.
On Friday, the family refused to allow a Barbados-based forensic pathologist to conduct the scheduled autopsy, instead insisting on an independent examination. “There was no post mortem. The family is seeking to get an independent person. We’re working to get somebody overseas now,” said Darren Wade, the family’s attorney, during an interview with Demerara Waves Online News. Wade reiterated the family’s distrust in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and said they are formally requesting investigators from the FBI or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to intervene.
Despite the family’s objections, the Guyana Police Force has pressed forward with its own investigation. Officials say several individuals have already been questioned, including the hotel’s proprietor, employees, a security guard, and a swimming instructor.
President Irfaan Ali has also weighed in, confirming that Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, an international forensic pathologist currently based in Barbados, would conduct the post-mortem examination. He added that the family’s chosen pathologist would be allowed to observe the procedure and ask questions. However, Wade publicly challenged Dr. Paul’s qualifications, demanding that the government disclose whether Paul holds recognized postgraduate training in anatomical and forensic pathology.
According to available information, Dr. Paul has over 23 years of experience in forensic pathology, with previous roles in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Barbados, and India. He has served as a forensic medical examiner to several UK police forces and currently works as a consultant forensic pathologist for the Barbados Office of the Attorney General.
The GPF also stated they are awaiting the arrival of an independent pathologist selected by Adrianna’s family to participate in the examination, emphasizing that the post-mortem will be a crucial step in confirming the cause of death.
Meanwhile, in a shakeup at the police leadership level, Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall was removed from his post as Commander of Regional Police Division Three on Friday. He has been replaced by Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine. The reassignment follows widespread public outrage and calls for Mandall’s resignation over the police’s handling of Adrianna’s disappearance.
The case has stirred intense emotions across Guyana, with many demanding full transparency and an independent investigation to uncover the truth behind the death of Adrianna Younge.
