International forensic pathologist to probe girl’s body recovered from Tuschen hotel pool

Last Updated on Saturday, 3 May 2025, 12:22 by Writer

– Ali appeals for calm at Tuschen, expresses full confidence in Guyana’s pathologist

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday said an international forensic pathologist would be arriving in Guyana later in the day to conduct a postmortem to determine the cause of death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge who was found in a pool at the Double Day Hotel, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

He emphasised that his administration has full confidence in veteran government forensic pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, but opted to call in an international pathologist to remove any doubt or controversy about the cause of Younge’s death.

“I have full confidence in our local pathologist who is extremely knowledgeable and very professional, but for the avoidance of any doubt in these circumstances and to allow full independent analysis, we are bringing in this international pathologist,” he told Demerara Waves Online News.

He said he was keen on avoiding “mischief” by politicians.

The Barbados-based India-trained Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, who is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, UK Membership Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine, is expected to arrive in Guyana at about 5 p.m.

The Pesident said the decision to use the services of the international pathologist is in keeping with his public commitment to conducting a wide-ranging probe.

“We must uncover the full truth of everything that transpired, and no resource or effort will be spared in doing so. Whatever specialized resources are required to determine every aspect of the events and circumstances will be provided,” Dr Ali said.

Against the background of the facts that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday night said the girl was seen entering a vehicle and then her body seen in the pool on Thursday after searches were conducted, President Ali said the Police Force would be expected to take actions after an investigation into how the probe was handled.

“I have asked that the police explain, in detail, every action taken since the matter was reported. That will be dealt with when they review all the circumstances and action taken by the police so that will be part of the review because everybody’s action will be under reviews and if there were any lapses in relation to what was done, I expect the Commissioner to take the necessary action,” he said.

Dr Karra Paul, who has served in the United Kingdom as a police forensic medical examiner, had previously assisted Guyanese authorities in identifying bodies of the Mahdia Secondary School children who were burnt at the school’s dormitory in 2023.

Meanwhile, the GPF on Thursday stopped short of withdrawing its statement issued on Wednesday concerning the alleged abduction of the girl.

“Following preliminary investigations, it has been determined that certain details contained in the initial statement circulated were inaccurate. As such, the Force is currently reviewing the internal communication processes that led to the release of that statement.

The GPF assures that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out to determine every action taken by the police. “The circumstances under which inaccurate information was disseminated, including what led to such information, will also be thoroughly examined,” the GPF police said.

The GPF said the Divisional Commander and all ranks involved in the preparation and dissemination of the initial report will be interviewed, and appropriate actions will be taken to prevent future occurrences of this nature.

The GPF also says it remains committed to maintaining transparency and accuracy in all public communications and urges members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Appeal

With angry sympathisers burning nearby buildings by the owner of Double Day Hotel, President Ali appealed for calm.

“The fire is now escalating to neighbouring properties. I understand the anger but I’m asking them to exercise restraint and don’t put themselves at risk by damaging public and private properties because that’s a major concern now and allow the police and international players to conduct their investigation,” said Dr. Ali.

Police armed with teargas cannisters and equipped with shields were at the scene where people also continued to burn tyres and other items on the Tuschen Public Road.