The funeral for 11-year-old Adriana Younge, whose tragic death has united the nation in grief and sparked widespread calls for justice, is set to take place today, May 5, 2025. Mourners from across Guyana and abroad are expected to gather to pay their final respects to the promising young student, as her family urges peace and respect during the proceedings.
Adriana, a pupil of Parika Salem Primary School who had recently completed the National Grade Six Assessment, was found dead in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, on April 24. The circumstances of her death, discovered just a day after she went missing, have ignited national mourning and controversy.
The funeral service will begin with her body departing Ezekiel Funeral Home at 11 a.m., proceeding to her Hyde Park, Parika residence for viewing, followed by a service at the Rice Mill Tarmac and interment at the Vergenoegen Cemetery. The ceremony is expected to be both emotional and unifying, drawing relatives, friends, and supporters from all walks of life.
In the days leading up to the funeral, Adriana’s family has strongly opposed calls for protests or any attempts to delay the burial in pursuit of a second post-mortem examination. In a public statement, Adriana’s aunt, Amika Lewis, pleaded with the public to honour the family’s wishes for a peaceful farewell, stating, “We do not agree to or condone this action. We will bury Adriana in a peaceful manner on Monday. Honour Adriana and the wishes of her family. NO PROTESTS.”
Authorities, including the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs, have echoed the family’s call for calm, warning that any attempts to disrupt the funeral will be met with swift legal consequences. The police have assured the public that they will be closely monitoring the proceedings to ensure a safe and respectful environment.
Adriana’s death has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with three internationally respected forensic pathologists concluding that she died by drowning. Despite the findings, some community members have called for a second autopsy, fueling protests and unrest in recent weeks. The government and health officials maintain that the initial examination was comprehensive and transparent, with samples sent to international laboratories for further testing.
As the nation observes Arrival Day and the commencement of CXC examinations, Adriana’s funeral stands as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the need for unity and compassion in the face of tragedy. The family’s message is clear: let today be a day of peace, remembrance, and respect for Adriana’s memory.
