Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton has accused the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government of using “delay tactics” to avoid honouring the request by 11-year-old Adriana Younge’s family for an international probe into the circumstances of her death and the operations of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Speaking at the People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNCR) press conference today, Norton said the government is trying to avoid accountability in the case. “The government continues to fail Adriana Younge and the people of Guyana, it is over a week since the highly suspicious and horrible death of Adriana Younge, which most Guyanese believe to be a murder,” Norton said .
Adriana’s body was discovered on April 24 in the pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, less than 24 hours after she was reported missing during a family outing at the hotel. The police initially claimed that she was abducted from the front of the hotel, but later said that statement was false.
Norton insisted that only an independent probe by international experts could restore public confidence, both in the investigation into Adriana’s death and the broader functioning of the police force.
He suggested that the terms of references for the investigations must ensure thoroughness and truthfulness. He added, “Anything less will be an affront to the memory of Adriana and an insult to her parents, loved ones and all Guyanese.”
Further, the politician accused President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of attempting to downplay the incident. He stated that their actions expose the government’s “penchant for illegalities, callousness and immorality, at a time when the entire nation is in grief.”
Guyana Standard previously reported that a post-mortem examination concluded that Adriana died from drowning but could not determine where or when she died. Toxicology tests are still pending.
When asked what steps PNCR will take to push for justice, Norton remained guarded but hinted at plans being developed. “We will pursue justice for Adriana Younge but at this stage I don’t want to say what we will do; we are in discussions, we have some plans and as it’s appropriate they will be unfolded,” he said. Norton also confirmed that he intends to formally write the government, pressing for a thorough and independent investigation.
