Adriana Younge probe: GPF insists water samples taken from Double Day pool for testing

Last Updated on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 21:19 by Writer

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and lawyers for the family of Adriana Younge on Wednesday differed about whether water samples were taken from the Double Day hotel pool where her body was found on April 24.

In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, the force confirmed that Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and several other senior officers held a “confidential meeting” with attorneys-at-law Dr Dexter Todd and Eusi Anderson.

They said that among the points clarified at the meeting with the lawyers was that, “water samples from the pool were collected and have been sent overseas for independent forensic analysis”.

The GPF’s report was contrasted with Dr Todd’s account to reporters when he emerged from the meeting and was asked whether he had enquired about whether samples of water or residue had been taken from the pool at the hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

“What are you matching that against? How are you doing the comparative analysis? They can’t say if any water was taken from that pool,” he said.

But Police Commissioner Hicken told Demerara Waves Online News that the lawyers were told at the meeting he held with them earlier Wednesday that samples were taken from the pool and dispatched overseas.

Dr Todd late Wednesday afternoon told Demerara Waves Online News that, “they never said any was taken they didn’t answer when we asked.”

Mr Hicken was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram, Deputy Commissioner Simon McBean and Superintendent Baird, Head of Office of Professional Responsibility.

The girl’s body was found in the pool one day after the GPF later said that it had erroneously stated that the girl was seen entering an identifiable car.

The GPF said the lawyers were assured that the probe was “being pursued with the utmost seriousness and care” and that “all leads and evidence” were being actively pursued.

According to the law enforcement agency, oversight of the investigation was being maintained at the senior level to ensure thoroughness and impartiality.

The force said any information that was not provided during the meeting was withheld only to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and avoid compromising its outcomes.

“Several questions were answered during the meeting, while others, due to the sensitive and evolving nature of the investigation, required further verification and were deferred for written response following consultation with the investigative team,” the force also said.

The GPF said it welcomed that engagement as an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and diligent investigative work.

Police said the meeting was conducted in a confidential setting, in good faith, and with the shared understanding that “the primary goal was to maintain open lines of communication with the family through their legal representatives”.

Dr Todd told reporters that formal request would be made for foreign investigators to assist with the probe.

Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade had already written such a letter to President Irfaan Ali.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton had also formally asked Dr Ali to not only bring in American, British or Canadian investigators but also hold a commission of inquiry.