-claims the opposition-aligned ‘activist’ allowed misrepresentation of facts pertaining to Adriana Younge case

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Darren Wade is preparing to take legal action over what he has described as “false, libelous and defamatory” remarks which were made against his character during an online programme hosted by opposition-aligned activist, Mark Benschop.

In a statement made Thursday on his Facebook page, Wade called for the identity of the interviewee who appeared on Benschop’s show and made accusations against him, to be revealed.

According to Wade, the unnamed interviewee alleged that she has a connection to the Younge family and proceeded to make several harmful remarks.

The attorney was adamant that he is not aware that that individual has any connection to the child’s family.

Wade further accused Benschop of constantly targeting him, pointing to repeated attacks made in Rickford Burke’s ‘Guyana Outreach Group’.

“Only recently, I publicly addressed his ongoing fixation and obsession with me in that forum,” Wade said.

According to the attorney, Benschop’s omission of known facts during the interview was “deliberate and mischievous.”

He stated: “Mark is fully aware of the facts concerning the retention of Dr Gary Collins as the independent pathologist. However, he failed to disclose these facts to his unidentified guest during the interview. In my view, this omission was deliberate and mischievous.”

Further, he said: “As someone who has worked in the media for over three decades, Mark should know that basic journalistic standards require an interviewee to provide their name and to explain their connection to the matter at hand. I say this with confidence, having studied communication and been taught these principles during my Diploma in Communication.

“It is clear that Mark’s conduct is driven by a personal vendetta against me. I will not allow anyone to drag my name through the mud or to defame me.”

The attorney who is among those representing the Younge family vowed to pursue all available legal remedies.

“I will use the full force of the law against those responsible,” he stated.

Adriana was found dead on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), the day after she was reported missing. The police have since said that the certified findings from the autopsy confirmed that her death was consistent with drowning, and that no evidence of trauma, assault, or any other criminal activity was found.