Missing persons protocol, other systems to be overhauled

President Irfaan Ali has called for a comprehensive review of the response to missing persons cases following the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, whose body was discovered in a hotel pool last week.

Ali made the announcement during a press conference held Monday evening at State House, hours after an autopsy was conducted on the child.

Younge was found dead at the Double Day Hotel pool in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, last Thursday.

“It is very clear to me as president that the events surrounding this entire sad situation is definitely a point of examination and reexamination of a number of things,” Ali said. “First of all, and I intend to bring in international and regional help, to look at our existing laws, regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) in relation to policing work, in relation to laws governing missing persons.”

The president said the review would go beyond police procedures, calling also for an overhaul of legislation and safety protocols related to public spaces.

“You also have to look at laws, SOPs, rules, regulations covering public places in relation to security arrangements in relation to security cameras, in relation to cases of public pool safety, all of these things. The laws, regulations and rules, SOPs surrounding all of these things need immediate review with an objective of upgrading, implementing modern standards as our country continues to grow,” he said.

Ali said his administration will assemble a team with international experience to conduct the review and bring existing systems in line with modern standards for public safety and security.

Additionally, he signalled plans to assess police communication strategies and media engagement practices, noting the importance of accuracy and timeliness in the digital age.

In a social media era, the president said that timely and factual communication is very critical for shaping the narrative.

He also raised concerns over the police’s handling of the initial missing person report involving the child.

“I’m very much interested too in having that examined thoroughly,” Ali said, adding that empathy must be a core value in public service. “The police service as well as other public serving sectors, empathy is a very important aspect of their work as this demonstrates what public service is all about.”

Being part of the public service, he added, entails being caring and reachable in a time of public need.