Human services minister strikes deal to search Tuschen hotel for abducted girl

Last Updated on Saturday, 3 May 2025, 12:21 by Writer

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Vindhya Persaud, Thursday morning reached an agreement with the mother, family members, and relatives of an abducted girl to search the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, for a girl under the age of 16 who was allegedly abducted Wednesday afternoon.

Dr Persaud told reporters at the scene that 15 persons, including police, would search the hotel a second time for Adriana Younge.

As firefighters doused burning tyres and other debris on the Tuschen Public Road, the girl’s mother also spoke with President Irfaan Ali on the minister’s phone.

Though he could not be heard, the woman told him that “it not going to go down nice”.

Meanwhile, police on Thursday said they were pursuing a video surveillance lead that the car in which the girl entered was last seen at Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara.

Police said they confirmed that Adriana entered a red and black Toyota Raum motor car bearing registration number PSS 4684 which drove off in an eastern direction towards Vreed-en-Hoop.

Information was received about the registered owner, who, when contacted, claimed he rented the car to one Orlando (no last name provided) since last week.

Checks were made for Orlando at an address provided by the car owner, but he was not contacted, police said.

Trace of the vehicle from Georgetown Command Centre at about 20:58 hrs. showed the vehicle in Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara at ‘White Shop short cut’.

The Guyana Police Force said after the report on Wednesday afternoon, the Double Day Hotel was searched.

“A search was launched by the family in the pool and hotel but without success.

The matter was then reported at Tuschen Police Station.

Upon arrival at the scene, the police made further search in and around the hotel, including rooms, store room, yard, and roof, but they came up empty-handed,” police said in a statement.

The law enforcement agency said several cameras were seen attached to the building.

However, when asked to view same, the manager indicated that they are not in working order.

Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress Reform-A Partnership for National Unity alleged that family members expressed frustration over being prohibited from searching certain areas of the hotel, particularly the back entrance and yard, which could potentially hold crucial evidence.

PNCR-APNU called on authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Adriana’s disappearance and the allegations against the hotel owner.

“Our party urges the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that may lead to finding Adriana.

We implore the community to come together to support the family during this trying time and hold those responsible accountable,” that political opposition party said.

Earlier Thursday, angry family members, relatives and other persons burn tyres and other debris on the Tuschen Public Road to press their demands for a thorough search of the building by police with sniffer dogs.

A group of persons also stormed the hotel briefly but eventually retreated.