IN the wake of the tragic death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, Guyana stands at a delicate point where grief has yielded to fear, fuelled chiefly by the free-flowing dissemination of misinformation.
The postponement of burying the young girl, whose burial had been scheduled for Monday, May 5, is a sad reminder of how quickly a people’s genuine sorrow can be commandeered and manipulated once falsehoods get the better of facts.
What was meant to be a solemn period of mourning has instead become one marred by unease, all at a time when a grieving nation just wishes to bury its child in dignity.
The gravity of the situation has been such that four foreign diplomats have issued calls for calm, solidarity, and urgently so. United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot led these diplomatic actions with a message of “heartfelt condolences” as she called on Guyanese citizens to “remain calm and express their grievances through non-violent avenues.”

This coordinated diplomatic action underscores the international interest in Guyana’s stability following broad-based unrest that has witnessed vandalism of public and private spaces and business properties – something that serves only to pile trauma across communities and deepen societal cleavages.
The diplomats’ only message is insistence on respect for the Rule of Law and airing grievances peacefully, a reminder that public disturbances hurt the same individuals who are demanding justice.
The most disturbing driver of the disturbances has been the deliberate spread of misinformation about Adriana’s death.
Among the most blatant was when nursing attendant Tiana Serena Lewis-King falsely allegedly claimed she had been required to attend Adriana’s post-mortem examination on the Minister of Health’s instructions.
The Guyana Police Force had issued a wanted notice for Lewis-King after confirmation through video testimony that she had never attended during the procedure. This is a carefully crafted attempt to taint the government’s investigation and provoke public outrage at a time when emotions are already running hot.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has vehemently denied having any relationship with Lewis-King, stating, “As far as I know, I do not know this individual. I have never seen this individual, and have never spoken to this individual.”
The consequences of such disinformation go far beyond mere confusion. Three forensic pathologists from different parts of the globe, including the family’s own retained expert, all reached the same verdict that Adriana drowned, with no forced submersion or injury apparent. However, persistent calls for a second autopsy, combined with conspiracy theory and disinformation, have brought the family’s pursuit of closure to a standstill.

The integrity of the original post-mortem –including whole-body scans, internal examinations, and samples forwarded for further analysis to top American medical centers – has been needlessly questioned. Denying evidence-based findings in favour of sensational alternatives not only continues to extend the suffering of the family but diverts attention away from legitimate concerns over child safety that could prevent future catastrophes.
Most striking in this instance is the family’s simple plea: “We will bury Adriana in a peaceful way. Honour Adriana and the wishes of her family. No Protests!”.
Their plea stands against those who would attempt to exploit this tragedy for political gain, or as a cause for violence. The Ministry of Home Affairs has rightly emphasised ensuring a “respectful and non-disruptive environment”.

When ignorance gives rise to a disconnect between what a family might desire and how people react, we must ask whose agendas are being advanced.
The conditions that led to the death of Adriana Younge in Guyana are indicative of an even bigger global problem: The power of misinformation to undermine communities and corrode democratic structures.

When people cannot distinguish fact from fiction, the foundations of informed civic discourse are undermined. Each manufactured voice note, each unfounded social media statement, each sensationalised story erodes public trust in due authorities and procedures, creating an opportunity for extremist accounts to grow.

As Guyana navigates this delicate moment, all involved must re-commits to truth and transparency. The Guyana Police Force’s thorough investigation of Lewis-King’s alleged false claims is evidence of good institutional response to disinformation. Similarly, the Health Minister’s detailed account of the post-mortem process – such as recording proceedings and involvement of multiple international experts – is the openness necessary to dispel rumors.

Citizens are entitled to question and demand accountability, but these legitimate democratic functions must be discharged responsibly, with respect to evidence and due process. It is only through resisting falsehood with truth, responding to doubt with patience, and replacing anger with compassion that Guyana can emerge from this tragic incident a united, more resilient country.