–GPF affirms, says sample of water from pool sent for forensic analysis

–information not shared with family’s attorney withheld to safeguard integrity of the investigation

THE Guyana Police Force, on Tuesday, said that every measure is being taken to ensure there is a thorough, transparent, and accountable process in relation to the investigation into 11-year-old Adriana Younge’s death.
According to the police in a press release on Wednesday, it remains steadfast in its duty to bring clarity and closure to the tragic situation; this followed a meeting with attorneys representing the family’s interests.

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, along with Deputy Commissioners Ravindradat Budhram and Simon McBean, and the head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, met with Attorneys-at-law Dexter Todd and Eusi Anderson.
The Police Force said the meeting was conducted in a confidential setting and in good faith, as there was a shared understanding that the primary goal was to maintain open lines of communication with the family through its legal representatives.
“At the meeting, the attorneys were assured that the investigation into the tragic death of Adriana Younge is being pursued with the utmost seriousness and care,” the release said.
Added to this, several points were clarified during the meeting, the first being that the investigation is ongoing with all leads and evidence actively being pursued.

The release added that water samples from the pool were collected and have been sent overseas for independent forensic analysis, even as oversight of the investigation is being maintained at the senior level to ensure thoroughness and impartiality.
According to the police, any information not provided during the meeting was withheld only to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and avoid compromising its outcomes.
“The Guyana Police Force wishes to reassure the public that every measure is being taken to ensure a thorough, transparent, and accountable process. The Force remains steadfast in its duty to bring clarity and closure to this tragic situation, and we deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of the Younge family and the wider public as the investigation proceeds,” the police said in its release.

Meanwhile, attorney Todd, following the meeting, told members of the media that they are seeking answers to pressing questions surrounding the investigation.
To this end, he indicated that they were advised by the Police Commissioner to put their questions in writing, and when those answers are available, they will be given. Todd noted that the family is seeking full accountability and closure.
Adriana was reported missing on April 23, before her lifeless body was discovered the following day in the pool of Double Day hotel, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

According to initial reports, she was last seen on April 23, when she had gone swimming with siblings under the supervision of her grandmother.
Initially, the police had reported that surveillance footage showed Younge leaving the hotel in a vehicle. The police later admitted that this report was inaccurate.

The morning of April 24, Younge’s body was pulled from the hotel’s pool by her father. Public outrage intensified on Thursday following the gruesome discovery of Adrianna’s body in the pool.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali met with relatives subsequently and assured that no stone would be left unturned in relation to the investigation.
Relatives had requested an independent pathologist to conduct the post-mortem examination.

Against this backdrop, President Ali brought in Dr Shubhakar Paul, who previously supported local teams with forensic services. Subsequently, the family called for their own pathologist to join, and Dr Gary Collins, the chief medical examiner of Delaware, United States and a third forensic pathologist, Dr Glenn A Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital joined the team.

Initial findings of the autopsy, according to another attorney who was representing the family’s interest, showed that the 11-year-old died as a result of drowning.