Dear Editor,
THE tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge has left me deeply shaken—as a parent and as a citizen.
Her body was found in a pool at the very hotel where she was reported missing, almost a full day later. It’s a horrifying end to a situation that, from the beginning, was marred by confusion, delays, and misinformation from the police.
What makes this even more painful is the timing. This happened during the Easter break, when most children are out of school, relaxing and spending time with family. It should be a time of joy.
Instead, we’re mourning the loss of a child who had just completed her NGSA exams—her whole future ahead of her.

The Guyana Police Force initially claimed Adrianna was seen leaving the hotel and entering a car. That turned out to be false.
That kind of misinformation isn’t just careless—it’s dangerous. It may have cost precious time that could have made a difference. Why wasn’t the pool checked immediately? Why did it take almost 24 hours to find a child at the last known location?
As parents, we put our trust in those sworn to protect our children. When they fail this catastrophically, they must be held accountable.

We need a full investigation—not just into what happened to Adrianna, but into the breakdown in response and communication that followed.
Even President Irfaan Ali, himself a father of two, expressed heartbreak over this tragedy and stressed the need for answers.

His words echo what many of us are feeling: this must never happen again.
To Adrianna’s family—I can’t imagine your pain.

And to all parents hug your children tighter, and let’s not stop demanding justice until we’re certain no other child will be failed in this way.

Sincerely,
Mother of an 11-year-old daughter