The funeral for 11-year-old Adriana Younge, whose tragic death sparked protests and a government-imposed curfew in Guyana, has been postponed, her family announced on Monday.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Adriana’s mother, Amecia Simon, said the family made the “painful decision” to delay the funeral, which was scheduled for Monday, citing the need for “space and clarity” as they continue to grieve. A new date for the funeral has not yet been announced.
“Please know this was not easy, but we want to honour her with the peace, love and the dignity she deserves,” Simon wrote. “My heart is shattered beyond words… she was my heartbeat, my everything.”
Adriana’s death late last month, after her body was found in a swimming pool at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, has stirred national outcry and prompted calls for an international investigation. Although a post-mortem conducted by three respected pathologists concluded she died by drowning, skeptics, including members of the opposition and civil society groups, have rejected a statement from President Irfaan Ali that ruled out “forceful drowning.”
Authorities say surveillance footage showed Adriana entering a car identified by the government, but details surrounding her death remain unclear, fueling public distrust and anger. The family and opposition leaders have expressed little confidence in the Guyana Police Force and are urging an independent international probe.
In response to the protests that followed the incident, the government last week instituted a nightly 4.5-hour curfew, banning public gatherings between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the curfew was necessary to maintain order and warned over the weekend that disruptions at Adriana’s funeral would not be tolerated.
“The Guyana Police Force, with the full support of the Joint Services, is on alert,” the ministry said, urging citizens to maintain calm and ensure a “safe and respectful atmosphere” as the nation also prepares for Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) sittings.
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, also weighed in, expressing condolences and calling for peace.
“I encourage all Guyanese citizens to remain calm and voice their concerns through non-violent means and to adhere to the rule of law,” she said. “Looting and destruction of property are harmful to all.”
Despite the mounting grief, Simon expressed deep gratitude to the public for their support. “I’ve felt the arms of this nation around me,” she said. “And I am so deeply grateful.”
