Justice, accountability, and the failure of police independence in Guyana

By Syd Clarke, Guyana

The recent tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, Guyana, has reignited national outrage and deep concern about the integrity of law enforcement institutions in the country. For Canadians, particularly those with Caribbean heritage or a broader concern for global justice and governance, this incident offers a stark reminder of how political interference and systemic dysfunction can erode the rule of law — with deadly consequences.

The Transparency Institute (Guyana) Inc. (TIGI) has drawn troubling parallels between Adrianna’s death and that of Neesa Gopaul, a 16-year-old schoolgirl brutally murdered in 2010. Both cases have exposed an underlying pattern: the alarming susceptibility of police investigations to political influence and social interference. TIGI notes that when political connections and loyalties determine the actions or inactions of law enforcement, justice is not only delayed but often denied altogether.

According to TIGI, even when there is no overt police bungling, clandestine interference can mimic incompetence, with the same disastrous result — impunity for perpetrators and grief without closure for victims’ families. This is particularly insidious because it renders the difference between error and deliberate sabotage indistinguishable to the public.

Such interference is not just theoretical. TIGI highlighted past disclosures, including revelations from a British consultant advising Guyana’s Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), who reported that political directives often halted investigations targeting major financial contributors to the ruling party. More recently, a political figure accused of sexual misconduct was reportedly allowed to intimidate a victim’s mother during an investigation, despite a police directive that he stay away. These examples underline the grim reality that criminal investigations in Guyana can be compromised not only by ineptitude but by design.

The ramifications of this culture of impunity are severe. TIGI points to the repeated incidents at the same hotel where Adrianna died — at least four known tragedies — none resulting in meaningful accountability. This pattern, enabled by the political connections of those involved, raises grave concerns about systemic failure.

This situation is compounded by the politicization of law enforcement leadership. TIGI echoes sentiments from the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), criticizing the unconstitutional appointment of the current Police Commissioner after retirement age — a move seen as further politicizing the Guyana Police Force (GPF). While some officers have challenged these trends — notably Inspectors David Ramnarine and Paul Slowe — they have often faced retaliation rather than commendation.

The heart of the issue, TIGI argues, lies in the unethical conduct of political leadership. Citing a 16% public trust rating in politicians, the lowest among professions in Guyana, the Institute underscores a widespread loss of faith in governance. The issue transcends partisanship, implicating not only governments but also civic institutions — including religious organizations — that remain silent in the face of blatant manipulation and injustice.

For Canadians, especially those engaged in international development, human rights, or diaspora relations, this case is a call to vigilance. It highlights the importance of supporting civil society, independent policing, and judicial accountability — both at home and abroad. Institutions must be protected from political manipulation, and communities must be empowered to speak out when justice is at risk.

Ultimately, Adrianna Younge’s death is more than a tragedy; it is a warning. When civil society and democratic institutions are undermined, the most vulnerable — often children — suffer the consequences. Canadians must continue to advocate for transparency and rule of law, and support those in countries like Guyana striving to hold power to account.

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