encourage leaders to build bridges of unity, not walls of division

IN the wake of national grief and recent acts of unrest, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has made an emotional appeal to the people of Guyana: to reject violence, resist division, and instead embody love, unity, and empathy.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Edghill addressed the anguish gripping the nation following the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. While acknowledging the shared sorrow, he cautioned that this moment of collective pain must not spiral into further harm and chaos.

“The passing of this young girl has shaken the conscience of the nation,” Minister Edghill said. “But we must not let our grief be weaponised. Vandalism, violence, and fear-mongering are not the answers. As Guyanese, we are better than this.”
His statement came after the government initiated rapid clean-up operations to remove debris from major roadways across Georgetown and several other affected regions. These obstructions were left in the aftermath of protests that, in some cases, devolved into acts of arson, looting, and destruction of property.

“Our society is built on diversity and strength — six different races, living together with shared values. We must rise above these moments with grace and responsibility,” the minister urged. “Destroying our infrastructure and endangering lives cannot, and will not, be tolerated.”
Minister Edghill made a special plea to the nation’s youth, warning them not to fall prey to those who exploit moments of vulnerability for personal or political gain. “This is the time to wise up. Do not let anyone use your pain to serve their agenda,” he said.

He strongly condemned those seeking to politicise the tragedy, calling out opposition figures for spreading disinformation about President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his administration. “It is disheartening that some see this moment of national mourning as a political opportunity,” he added.
Underscoring the government’s commitment to development, Edghill reminded the nation that the work being done—from highways and housing projects to employment initiatives—is all part of creating a better, safer Guyana. “These are being built for you, for your families. Do not let unlawful actions steal that future from you.”

The minister’s voice softened as he spoke personally and emotionally about the tragedy. “As a husband, father, grandfather, bishop, and minister of government, my heart is with Adrianna’s family. The pain is real. But I must reiterate—violence is not the answer.”
He challenged citizens to pause and consider the consequences: “Ask yourselves — how do these actions help your family, your friends, your community? Is it worth your freedom or your life?”

Echoing the same sentiments, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, condemned the acts of lawlessness, assuring victims of violence and theft that justice would be served. He took to social media to share his support for those affected and committed the government to pursuing legal action against the perpetrators.

“I assured them,” the President said, “that those responsible for inflicting pain, harm, injury, and damage would be prosecuted according to the law.” He described the trauma faced by innocent women and children as among the most distressing aspects of the unrest.
President Ali also promised ongoing support for those harmed, saying their suffering would not be ignored. “We stand with them. We will ensure justice is done.”

As Guyana processes both grief and tension, the messages from Minister Edghill and President Dr. Irfaan Ali stand as a joint call for restraint, peace, and a recommitment to shared national values—especially at a time when the strength of the nation’s unity is being tested.
Will you stand for justice through peace, or allow pain to breed more pain? That is the question facing every Guyanese today.