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Sanctioned Guyanese Billionaire Azruddin Mohamed Freed on Bail After Launching Presidential Campaign

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 29, 2025: Guyanese businessman and presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed has been granted bail in the sum of GYD $500,000 following his arraignment on two criminal charges related to alleged tax evasion and fraudulent declarations to the Guyana Revenue Authority, (GRA).

Sanctioned Guyanese billionaire Azruddin Mohamed gets bail on tax charges as he kicks off his 2025 presidential campaign ahead of Guyana’s elections.

Appearing before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court today, Mohamed pleaded not guilty to both charges. The first charge alleges that on December 7, 2020, he knowingly caused a false declaration to the GRA by significantly undervaluing the purchase price of a luxury vehicle – a Lamborghini Aventador. The second charge accuses him of being involved in the fraudulent evasion of taxes through the same undervaluation. It is alleged that the vehicle was purchased for US$695,000, contrasting with the US$76,000 figure declared by Mohamed.

Represented by Attorneys Siand Dhurjon, Damian Da Silva, and Darren Wade, Mohamed was described as a 39-year-old businessman and father of five, residing at Lot 17 Houston Estates. His legal team argued for his release on his own recognizance, citing his status as a well-known figure with no prior convictions. However, the court imposed bail of $250,000 on each charge, totaling $500,000. The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on June 26.

These charges come in the wake of U.S. sanctions imposed in June 2024 by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Mohamed, his father Nazar, and their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise. The sanctions were based on allegations of corruption and tax evasion, including underreporting over 10,000 kilograms of gold and evading more than US$50 million in taxes.

Despite these legal challenges, Mohamed has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency in Guyana’s upcoming general and regional elections scheduled for September 1, 2025. In a video statement, he outlined his vision for a “new Guyana,” emphasizing equality, trust, and unity. He pledged to build a nation grounded in integrity and public service, welcoming international election observers to ensure democratic oversight.

Mohamed’s campaign focuses on addressing economic disparities and promoting inclusive development. He criticized government extravagance amid rising living costs, stating, “Eggs have become too expensive for egg-fry, meat too costly for pepper pot.” He advocates for leadership that serves all citizens equally, aiming to lift people out of poverty through genuine efforts rather than superficial displays.

As Guyana navigates a period of rapid economic transformation driven by its oil and gas sector, Mohamed’s candidacy adds a new dimension to the political landscape. The upcoming elections are poised to be a defining moment for the nation’s democracy and global standing.

The legal proceedings against Mohamed continue, with the next court date set for June 26. Under applicable laws, a conviction could result in fines ranging from $10,000 to

Guyanese Adrianna Younge To Receive Posthumous U.S. Congressional Honor This Sunday

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 29, 2025: The parents of 11-year-old Guyanese murder victim, Adrianna Younge, are in the United States to receive a posthumous Congressional honor in her name and participate in the 2025 Guyana Independence Parade in Brooklyn, NY this Sunday, which has been dedicated to Adrianna’s memory.

Adrianna Younge, the the 11-year-old Guyanese girl whose death sparked national protests, will be honored posthumously by the U.S. Congress on June 1, 2025, in Brooklyn, NY.

Adrianna’s parents, Mr. Subrian Younge and Ms. Amecia Simon, are scheduled to attend a special event on June 1, 2025, during which U.S. lawmakers will recognize Adriana’s life and legacy. The proclamation is being sponsored by Democratic leader of the United States House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries.

While in the United States, the family is also expected to meet with medical experts to be briefed on the findings of a second autopsy conducted in the U.S. on Adrianna’s body.

In addition to the Congressional honor, Adrianna’s parents and relatives will join the Guyana Independence Parade, which begins at noon on June 1 at Church and Brooklyn Avenues in Brooklyn, New York. The parade will proceed along Church Avenue to Utica Avenue and end at Glenwood Road, where the Unity Concert will be held at 1450 Utica Avenue.

This year’s celebration has been designated “Guyana National Flag Day in the Diaspora” by the Guyana Independence Committee of New York. The Committee is encouraging all attendees to bring and display Guyana’s national flag to show solidarity with the homeland.

Adrianna Younge was a resident of Parika, Guyana. She died on April 24, 2025, after being reported missing the previous day during a family outing at a pool at the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen Village, with her grandmother, Carol Xavier. An alarm was raised and the Guyana Police Force was contacted. Officers informed Adrianna’s parents that they possessed surveillance footage showing Adrianna leaving the hotel with an unidentified man, and advised them to return home.

The family declined to leave and remained outside the hotel overnight, supported by community members and concerned citizens who were alerted through live streams on social media and joined in the effort to locate Adrianna. Despite their persistence, hotel management and police restricted access, preventing a comprehensive search of the premises.

After an extensive search and overnight vigil, Adrianna’s body was discovered the following morning, April 24, 2025, floating vertically in the hotel’s pool. The pool, with a maximum depth of 8 feet, had been searched multiple times by family members, a swimming instructor, other hotel guests, and police officers, with no prior sighting of her body. On the morning of April 24, 2025, a large group of residents gathered outside the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, Guyana, calling for answers regarding the disappearance of the 11-year-old. Police reinforcements were deployed to the scene to manage the growing crowd and secure the premises.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., some members of the crowd breached the police line and entered the hotel. Soon after, Adrianna’s body was found in the hotel’s swimming pool. Questions were raised about the circumstances of the discovery, as the pool had reportedly been searched multiple times without finding her remains.

Police officers removed Adrianna’s body from the scene and transported it to the Leonora Hospital. The body was later transferred to Ezekiel’s Funeral Home in Vreed-en-Hoop. Authorities stated that the body had been sealed prior to the transfer.

Following the discovery, unrest escalated. Fires were reported at the hotel and at a residence linked to the hotel’s ownership.

Subsequently, Assistant Commissioner of Police Khalid Mandall, Regional Commander at the time, came under public scrutiny. Criticism intensified after initial police communications reportedly claimed Adrianna had been seen leaving the hotel, a claim later challenged by the family. Public demonstrations were held on April 25, 2025, outside the Leonora Police Station, with calls for Mandall’s removal from the position.

Protests erupted across Guyana, sparking widespread public anger and calls for accountability. On April 25, demonstrators blocked the main West Demerara Highway, using tires and other debris to obstruct traffic, effectively halting travel between the capital, Georgetown, and the western regions. Riot police were deployed, and reports indicated that officers opened fire on protesters. Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon McBean was dispatched from Georgetown to help de-escalate tensions.

The following day, the Guyana government announced that Regional Commander Khalid Mandall, who had overseen the initial police response, had been transferred to another division. The announcement drew further criticism, prompting renewed protests. Mandall was subsequently placed on administrative leave.

Widespread demonstrations continued as protesters accused the police of mishandling the investigation and alleged collusion with the hotel management. Public concern intensified after the announcement of preliminary autopsy results.

On April 28, an autopsy was conducted by three international pathologists: Dr. Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul of Barbados, and Trinidad-and-Tobago born Dr. Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware. The examination, conducted at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, took nearly five hours and occurred amid a heavy police presence and further protests.

The pathologists concluded that Adrianna died by drowning. However, her father, Subrian Younge, publicly rejected the finding. The pathologists clarified that while the cause of death was identified, the manner of death – whether accidental or otherwise – must be determined by the ongoing police investigation.

Following the release of the autopsy findings, Guyana President Irfaan Ali addressed the nation in a televised statement. His remarks, interpreted by some as conclusive about the circumstances of Adrianna’s death, prompted additional backlash and civil unrest. Protests intensified, disrupting businesses and prompting flight diversions from Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

In response, authorities charged several protest participants with terrorism, including Tianna Lewis-King, a Ministry of Health employee.

Attorney Dr. Dexter Todd, representing the Younge family, called on the Guyana government to invite international law enforcement agencies — including the FBI, Scotland Yard, or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police — to lead an independent investigation. Instead, the government brought in retired RCMP detective Leonard McCoshen to review evidence. McCoshen later stated publicly that he lacked prior experience in such investigations.

Adrianna’s body remains unburied as her family continues to seek justice. On May 20, 2025, Dr. Todd confirmed that her remains were transported to the United States for a second autopsy.

Her death now remains “under investigation” but continues to garner significant global attention – both in Guyana and among the diaspora.

For more information on the Sunday event, visit celebrateguyananyc.com

Guyana Sets September 1, 2025 Elections Amid Venezuela Tensions

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. May 27, 2025: Guyana is officially headed to the polls on September 1, 2025, following an announcement by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who has declared the date for the country’s General and Regional Elections. The announcement was made Sunday evening during national celebrations marking Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary.

The Guyana election announcement comes as Venezuela held regional elections in El Dorado, Bolivar State, Venezuela, on May 25, 2025 and declared Guyana’s Essequibo as its 24th state. (Photo by PEDRO MATTEY/AFP via Getty Images)

President Ali stated that he will soon issue the formal proclamation to dissolve Parliament, in keeping with constitutional requirements. Under Guyana’s Constitution, elections must be held within three months of Parliament’s dissolution.

This declaration sets the stage for a pivotal and closely watched election, as Guyana navigates a period of rapid economic transformation spurred by its oil and gas sector, and rising geopolitical tensions over the Essequibo region, which remains the subject of a territorial dispute with neighboring Venezuela.

The announcement came just one day after Venezuela held symbolic legislative and regional elections for Guyana’s oil-rich Essequibo territory, despite a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Venezuela to suspend such actions. Adding to the significance of the moment, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a formal statement on Monday, congratulating Guyana on its independence and expressing strong support for the country’s democratic and economic trajectory.

“On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend warm congratulations to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on your 59th Independence Day,” said Secretary Rubio. “The United States reaffirms its steadfast commitment to our partnership with Guyana, grounded in shared democratic values and a mutual dedication to regional security and prosperity.”

Rubio noted Guyana’s ongoing economic transformation under President Ali’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of transparent governance, the rule of law, and inclusive development. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to combating transnational crime, promoting energy and economic security, and supporting responsible private sector investment in Guyana.

But Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared the creation of a 24th Venezuelan state called “Guayana Esequiba” and installed a symbolic governor and eight deputies, even though no polling took place on Guyanese soil.

President Ali condemned the move, calling it a “threat” to Guyana’s sovereignty. “We will do everything to ensure our territorial integrity is kept intact,” he said, reiterating his government’s commitment to peace but vowing to defend Guyana’s internationally recognized borders.

As tensions remain high, political observers note that the upcoming elections will be shaped not only by domestic development and governance issues but also by Guyana’s strengthened stance on territorial sovereignty, a position that has gained urgency since the discovery of vast offshore oil reserves by ExxonMobil.

With political parties expected to intensify campaign activities in the coming weeks, the September 1 elections are poised to be a defining moment for Guyana’s democracy, economy, and global standing.

The last general elections were held in March 2020, following a protracted political crisis that drew widespread international attention and scrutiny.

Caribbean-Born Congressman Blasts Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 22, 2025: Caribbean-born U.S. Congressman, Adriano Espaillat, has sharply criticized the Republican-led House’s passage of what he termed the “GOP Tax Scam,” a bill he warns will have dire consequences for America’s most vulnerable.

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) has slammed the GOP’s “Big Beautiful Bill. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Espaillat, who represents New York’s 13th congressional district and was born in the Dominican Republic, condemned the bill for offering major tax breaks to billionaires and large corporations while slashing funding for essential public services.

“The only winners following Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ are billionaire donors and big corporations that already pay next to nothing in taxes,” Espaillat said in a statement from Washington, D.C. “This disastrous bill includes devastating cuts to health care and food assistance, taking vital funding from the American people.”

He added that the legislation, which aligns with former President Donald Trump’s economic priorities, would further burden working families, making basic necessities such as groceries and healthcare even more costly.

“Donald Trump has no problem taking from the poor to give to the wealthy,” Espaillat stated. “These cuts are a matter of life and death. If this bill becomes law, people will die from lack of food, health care, and housing.”

Earlier this week, Espaillat spoke out against the bill on the House floor and joined over 100 Democratic colleagues in proposing more than 500 amendments in an effort to stall the bill’s advancement during a Rules Committee hearing. Despite these efforts, every Democrat in the House ultimately voted against the measure, which passed under Republican leadership.

Espaillat reaffirmed his commitment to defending the values and well-being of working families across the nation, pledging to continue the fight against policies he sees as detrimental to America’s most vulnerable communities.

Summary of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

The House Republicans have advanced a sweeping multitrillion-dollar tax and spending bill that could significantly affect household finances across the U.S. Officially titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislation aims to make permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts and introduces major changes to tax policy, social programs, and federal student aid.

Key Provisions:

Tax Cuts & Credits:

Makes Trump-era tax cuts permanent.

Temporarily increases the child tax credit to $2,500 (2025–2028).

Increases the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 in 2025 with income-based phaseouts.

Introduces a $4,000 tax deduction for seniors.

Provides a tax deduction on U.S.-assembled auto loan interest (up to $10,000).

Offers tax exemptions for tips for earners under $160,000

Social Program Cuts:

Includes $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, possibly impacting millions through loss of health and food assistance.

Imposes stricter work requirements for eligibility starting in December 2026.

Health & Education:

Expands access and contribution limits to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Eliminates subsidized student loans and hardship deferment options.

Extends loan repayment terms to up to 30 years with delayed forgiveness.

Other Features:

Launches federally funded “Trump Accounts” with a $1,000 initial deposit for child savings.

Ends tax credits for electric vehicles and energy-efficient home improvements after 2025.

The bill, over 1,000 pages long, was passed by the House and could be advanced in the Senate via budget reconciliation, though changes are expected before potential enactment.

Haitian-Led Thriller On Moïse Assassination Hits U.S. Theaters

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. May 20, 2025: For the first time, a Haitian-led political thriller is telling the world what many in Haiti have long asked: Who killed President Jovenel Moïse?

July 7 is not just breaking that mold—it’s redefining how Caribbean stories reach global audiences.

“July 7: Who Killed the President?” premiered on May 16, in AMC theaters across the United States. Starring Raquel Pelissier and Haitian born star, Jimmy Jean-Louis, and directed by Robenson Lauvince, the film explores the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president through the eyes of a determined college student. Her research for a memoir takes a dark turn into a web of conspiracy, violence, and political betrayal.

“This is more than a film—it’s a moment of truth for Haiti,” said Lauvince. “We’re telling our story on our terms, with depth and dignity.” Sunday, May 18th was Haitian flag day.

The film, shot in both Haiti and the U.S., is the first Haitian political drama to receive nationwide theatrical release in the United States—a major milestone for Caribbean cinema. AMC has also launched a community-driven campaign: the more requests a city receives, the more likely it is that July 7 will be added to local theater line-ups.

Confirmed screenings include:

AMC Empire 25 (New York City)

AMC Aventura Mall 24 (Florida)

AMC Boston Common 19 (Massachusetts)

AMC Phipps Plaza 14 (Atlanta)

AMC Burbank 16 (Los Angeles)

The film arrives amid growing interest in Diaspora narratives, yet Haitian and Black independent filmmakers still face steep hurdles in U.S. film distribution. July 7 is not just breaking that mold—it’s redefining how Caribbean stories reach global audiences.

Jovenel Moïse was a Haitian politician and entrepreneur, who served as the 43rd president of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in 2021. He assumed the presidency in February 2017 after winning the November 2016 election. During his term, Haiti experienced widespread protests. In the early morning of 7 July 2021, Moïse was assassinated and his wife Martine was injured during an attack on their private residence in Pétion-Ville.

“This is a megaphone for our pain, our resilience, and our right to justice,” Lauvince said. “We want to show the world our truth—and this time, you don’t have to ask Hollywood’s permission.”

Audiences can request screenings in their cities by visiting the film’s official website HERE

See a trailer from the movie here.

Caribbean Immigrant Charged With Falsely Claiming Citizenship

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: A Caribbean immigrant has been arrested and charged with unlawfully claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote in the 2024 Florida presidential primary election, federal authorities have announced.

Jamaican born Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, 52, was taken into custody in Panama City, Florida, following a federal criminal complaint alleging she falsely certified U.S. citizenship in order to vote in a federal election. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida confirmed the charge after Wallace’s initial appearance in federal court in Tallahassee.

According to investigators, Wallace entered the U.S. in December 2010 on a six-month B-2 tourist visa but overstayed her permitted time. Despite not being a citizen, she reportedly registered online to vote in January 2024 and later cast a ballot in the August 2024 Florida presidential primary.

Her arrest came as a result of a coordinated investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple state and federal agencies. If convicted, Wallace faces up to five years in federal prison and subsequent deportation.

This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Justice Department initiative aimed at combating unlawful immigration and election-related crimes. Authorities emphasized that the charges against Wallace remain allegations. Under the U.S. legal system, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Trinidadian Scholar Shakes Up Museum World With Groundbreaking Book On Caribbean Culture

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 13, 2025: Award-winning Trinidadian-born art and museum scholar Dr. Daniela Fifi is set to launch an international book tour for her groundbreaking new publication, Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums. The tour kicks off on May 27th at Western Washington University in Seattle and will include stops across the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom through the fall.

Trinidadian born art scholar, Dr. Daniela Fifi, whose international tour to promote her groundbreaking book Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums, kicks off in two weeks in Seattle, Washington. (PHOTO CREDIT- Sure Thing Productions)

Published by Routledge Press in April, Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums marks a pivotal moment in the academic study of Caribbean museology. As one of the first works from Routledge to focus on this field, the book delves into how Caribbean museums can evolve to better serve their communities – by pushing creative boundaries, sharing best practices, and reimagining the role of cultural institutions in contemporary Caribbean society.

Dr. Fifi, a past recipient of the prestigious President’s Scholar Award from Pratt Institute and the Samuel H. Kress Interpretive Fellowship Award from Columbia University, describes the book as a heartfelt tribute to Caribbean culture—not merely as a place, but as a dynamic and interconnected cultural space.

“This book is a reflection of collective aspirations from museum professionals throughout the Caribbean,” Fifi noted. “It explores the transformative potential of cultural institutions and is intended for everyone from museum enthusiasts and researchers to professors, graduate students, and cultural heritage professionals.”

Rather than a critique, the book provides a rigorous analysis of the sector, aimed at fostering innovation, creativity, and long-term growth.

“Criticality in any field means interrogating essential issues to challenge assumptions and inspire new approaches,” she added. “Through this lens, we can reimagine our practices, elevate standards, and plan for the future of Caribbean museums.”

Dr. Fifi contributed four chapters to the book, including a major piece on the development of museum education, her area of expertise. The volume also features curatorial perspectives on Caribbean art and insights from other leading museum professionals across the region. She emphasized how editing the book alongside co-authors sharpened her collaborative skills.

A proud daughter of Trinidad and Tobago, Fifi’s passion for the arts was nurtured in her teenage years through classes in painting, photography, and pottery. Her journey took her from Trinidad to New York’s Pratt Institute, where she earned a BFA in Communication Design, then to the University of Manchester for a Master’s in Art Gallery and Museum Studies, and finally to Columbia University’s Teachers College, where she completed a Ph.D. in Art and Art Education.

Currently the Editor-in-Chief of Viewfinder, the e-journal of the National Art Education Association, Fifi also serves as a global independent consultant. She is now preparing her next initiative, The Mind Of The Museum, a multidisciplinary project incorporating lectures, podcasts, and international exhibitions that expand on the themes of her book and explore the post-colonial evolution of Caribbean museums.

Following the Seattle launch, the tour will head to A House For Artists in London in July, the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California in August, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in September, and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in Bridgetown in October. Additional dates and venues are expected to be announced soon.

Critical Issues in Caribbean Museums is available now via Routledge Press.

Does The New Pope Have Haitian Roots? Groundbreaking Revelation Links Pontiff To The Caribbean

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 9, 2025: As the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV, a groundbreaking revelation has emerged that connects the first U.S.-born pontiff to a lesser-known but profoundly rich heritage — one rooted in the Afro-Caribbean and Creole experience of New Orleans, with potential ties to Haiti.

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV (l), the American Robert Prevost, may have roots to the Caribbean. Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images)

According to a report published by The New York Times, the new pope, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, descends from Creole people of color in New Orleans through his maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié. Historical records describe both as Black or mulatto, and census documents list Mr. Martinez’s place of birth as “Hayti” — the historic spelling of Haiti — suggesting that the new pontiff may indeed have Haitian roots.

The revelation was uncovered by New Orleans genealogist Jari C. Honora, whose research traced the pope’s maternal lineage to the city’s historic Seventh Ward — a cultural hub of African, Caribbean, and European ancestry, deeply Catholic and central to Louisiana’s Creole identity.

“This discovery is just an additional reminder of how interwoven we are as Americans,” Honora told The Times, adding that it shines a light on the long, often overlooked history of Black Catholics in the U.S., many of whom were enslaved or descended from free people of color.

While the Vatican’s official announcement focused on Leo XIV’s upbringing in Chicago and his missionary work in Peru, the confirmation of his Creole ancestry — and potentially Haitian lineage — adds a deeply symbolic layer to his papacy, particularly for Black Catholics across the Americas.

Pope Leo XIV’s grandparents married at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in New Orleans before relocating to Chicago. His mother, Mildred Martinez, was born there in 1912. In addition to records linking Joseph Martinez to Haiti, his occupation was listed as a cigar maker — a trade historically associated with Caribbean immigrants.

While the Prevost family reportedly did not identify as Black, and the pope’s brother confirmed they “identified as white,” this discovery highlights the nuanced complexity of racial identity in America — particularly among Creole families, many of whom were able to pass as white in segregated societies.

For descendants of Louisiana Creoles and Caribbean immigrants, the new pope’s lineage is being celebrated as a long-overdue recognition of a rich cultural legacy.

“This is a tremendous moment,” said Lolita Villavasso Cherrie, co-founder of The Creole Genealogical and Historical Association. “It’s not just about race; it’s about acknowledging a layered and beautiful history that has shaped American Catholicism.”

Whether or not Pope Leo XIV ever directly addresses his Creole and Haitian ancestry, his elevation stands as a milestone for the broader Black Catholic diaspora — from Louisiana to Haiti to Latin America — whose faith and contributions have long been woven into the Church’s global fabric.

Latest Update: Guyana Police Meet With Adriana Younge’s Family Lawyers

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 7, 2025: The Guyana Police Force, (GPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and thorough investigation into the tragic death of 11-year-old Guyanese pre-teen, Adriana Younge, following a confidential meeting today, Tuesday, May 7, 2025, with the legal representatives and relatives of the late teen.

Held at the request of Attorney Dr. Dexter Todd, the meeting took place in the Commissioner’s Board Room and was attended by Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioners Budhram and McBean, Superintendent Baird, Head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, alongside Attorneys-at-Law Dexter Todd and Eusi Anderson.

The GPF described the meeting as a meaningful engagement aimed at addressing questions and concerns from Younge’s family and emphasized that it was conducted in a spirit of good faith. Some inquiries were addressed during the session, while others, due to the sensitive and evolving nature of the case, will be answered in writing after further consultation with the investigative team.

Police officials reiterated their pledge to keeping the family informed through appropriate legal channels while balancing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Key updates shared at the meeting included:

The investigation remains active, with all leads and evidence being pursued diligently.

Water samples from the swimming pool, where Younge was found, have been sent overseas for independent forensic testing.

Senior-level oversight is in place to ensure impartiality and thoroughness in the investigative process.

Information withheld during the meeting was done so only to avoid compromising the investigation.

The GPF acknowledged Dr. Todd’s prior service within the Force and underscored the importance of safeguarding sensitive details until they can be responsibly disclosed.

The meeting comes amid national outcry over the death of the 11-year-old, whose body was found in a hotel swimming pool on April 24, at at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, hours after she was reported missing. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, mass protests, and intensified calls for justice, prompting President Irfaan Ali to repeatedly urge calm and national unity.

“The destruction of public infrastructure and private property, burning of vehicles, and inconveniencing others is not what we want to demonstrate as a people and as a nation,” President Ali stated as tensions mounted across the country.

An autopsy conducted by three internationally recognized forensic pathologists – Dr. Glenn Rudner, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, and Dr. Gary Collins – determined that she died by drowning. The exam found no signs of physical or sexual trauma. However, due to the body’s state of decomposition, the exact time of death could not be determined, and toxicology results remain pending.

Despite these findings, public skepticism has grown. Civil society groups, political leaders, and diaspora activists have called for an independent international investigation, raising concerns over the credibility of the official inquiry and questioning President Ali’s assertion that there was no evidence of “forceful drowning.”

To contain growing unrest, the Guyanese government had imposed a nightly curfew from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. The measure, also intended to safeguard public order around Adrianna’s funeral and the start of CXC examinations, was accompanied by warnings of stricter enforcement if disruptions continue.

The young girl’s funeral, initially planned for May 5, was postponed by her grieving family. In a heartfelt message on Facebook, her mother, Amecia Simon, explained the decision: “Due to ongoing matters and our family’s need for space and clarity as we grieve, we have made the painful decision to postpone Adriana’s funeral today. Please know this was not easy, but we want to honor her with the peace, love and the dignity she deserves.”

As the investigation proceeds, President Ali has pledged transparency and a full review of the protocols surrounding Adrianna’s death. “Her death must serve as a reminder of our need for national unity,” he said.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton of the People’s National Congress Reform, (PNCR) has condemned the looting and violence that occurred in the aftermath of the child’s death, but emphasized his party’s full support for the pursuit of justice. “We do not support the looting or destruction of property. We are fully in support of the struggle for justice,” Norton declared.

Calls for accountability have also echoed across the Caribbean Diaspora. In Brooklyn, New York, a candlelight vigil was held in Adrianna’s honor. Organized by Rickford Burke of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy and Bonita Montique of the United Bridge Builders Mission, the event drew heartfelt pleas for systemic police reform.

“She was only a child,” said activist Melissa Atwell Holder. “They say she drowned – but did she drown in that pool? Because that pool was searched, over and over again. And she wasn’t there. So we ask: when did she die? And how?”

As a nation mourns and demands answers, Adrianna’s family has promised to announce a new funeral date “once we are able to,” her mother noted.

New Cayman Coalition Government Vows Unity And Reform Amid Fiscal Challenges

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 7, 2025: In a defining moment for the Cayman Islands’ political landscape, Premier André Ebanks on Tuesday officially ushered in a new era of coalition governance as he and 18 other lawmakers took the oath of office in George Town, following a tightly contested election that yielded no outright winner.

Andre Ebanks is the new premier of the Cayman Islands.

At the helm of the newly formed National Coalition For Caymanians, (NCFC), Premier Ebanks is leading what many are calling a bold experiment in unified, people-first governance — a coalition composed of members from three distinct political entities. The alliance brings together the Cayman Islands National Party (CINP), the Caymanian Community Party (CCP), and a group of independents, all of whom joined forces to form a majority in the 19-seat Parliament.

“This is a time for focus, discipline, and collaboration,” Ebanks said following the swearing-in. “We are taking care to build a government that is not only stable and effective, but also transparent — one that communicates clearly, involves the people, and earns the trust of the country.”

Despite the People’s Progressive Movement, (PPM), winning the most seats — seven — the party fell short of a majority, opening the door for coalition politics. The CINP and CCP each secured four seats and, by last Friday, announced the support of three independents, giving the new coalition a working majority of 11 seats.

In a statement released over the weekend, the group announced its unified name, NCFC, reflecting the political merger and shared vision: “National” for CINP, “Coalition” for the independents, and “Caymanians” for the CCP’s grassroots identity.

Now formally installed, the new government is expected to begin work immediately, with an initial focus on addressing an anticipated fiscal deficit and laying the groundwork for the 2026/2027 national budgets. “There is a mountain of work to get through,” said Ebanks, “but we will get through it as a team.”

On Wednesday, the new Cabinet is set to meet with Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and senior civil service leaders for strategic briefings aimed at ensuring a coordinated start to the administration’s tenure.

Governor Jane Owen, who presided over the ceremony, expressed her confidence in the new administration. “I look forward to working with you as we plan to deliver for our people over the coming four years of this Parliament,” she said, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of all residents.

As the NCFC takes its first steps, expectations are high. The coming weeks will be a critical test of the coalition’s cohesion and ability to translate political unity into effective leadership.

Who is André Ebanks, the New Premier of the Cayman Islands?

André Ebanks, the new Premier of the Cayman Islands, brings a blend of legal expertise and civil service experience to his leadership role. A graduate of Morgan State University in the U.S. with a degree in sociology, he later earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Liverpool and a Master’s in Legal Practice from Manchester Metropolitan University. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2005 and the Cayman Islands Bar in 2006.

Ebanks practiced law with top offshore firms Appleby and Walkers, specializing in investment funds. In 2014, he transitioned to public service, serving as a senior policy advisor and later as deputy chief officer in the Ministry of Community Affairs, overseeing key social support agencies. He most recently served from 2019 to 2021 in a leadership role within the Ministry of Financial Services.

Prior to taking the oath, he wrote on Facebook:”Thank you to God, my amazing wife Tiffany and children Jaxson and Savanna. Thank you to my Dad Atlee Ebanks, Nana Laura, my mother Ellena and my incredible sisters Elizabeth, Megan and Abi. Thank you to all my friends and family here and abroad and to my extraordinary campaign team. Thank you to my nominators, Patty Rivers, Genevieve Henning, Capt Owen Farrington and Roy Grant for their trust in me.

To the Election Office and all those involved in the entire election process, thank you for your professionalism – you did a superb job.

No matter in what capacity I am asked to serve, I look forward to working with my former brothers and sisters in the Civil Service.

To the voters of West Bay South, please know that you are all in my heart and I will be working diligently for you to achieve as much as possible of a ‘Reimagined Cayman’.

God Bless West Bay South and the Cayman Islands as we move forward with positivity and inclusivity.”