Adrianna Younge’s drowning: Medical Council awaits more info from T&T before decision on pathologist

The Medical Council of Guyana (MCOG) is currently reviewing an application for short-term registration submitted by Trinidadian pathologist Dr Hubert Daisley. This application arises from a request by the family of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, who wish for Dr Daisley to conduct a second autopsy on the child’s body despite the fact that a forensic post-mortem examination was conducted by three internationally recognised pathologists. One of those pathologists, Dr Gary L Collins was selected by the family. The result of that autopsy had shown that the 11-year-old had drown and there were no marks of violence nor signs of sexual assault.

Despite these findings, opposition members, particularly from the Alliance for Change (AFC) party have questioned the credibility and impartiality of the state-led investigation. They are now saying that the Government’s handling of the case lacks transparency and have called for further scrutiny.
Adrianna’s mother, Ameica Simon, and their Attorney, Darren Wade had formally requested another autopsy to be conducted by Dr Daisley. In 2012, Daisley was identified by AFC’s Nigel Hughes, to witness the PMEs of the three Linden protestors, who were fatally shot by police in Linden.
During its statutory meeting on Monday, the medical council deliberated extensively on Dr Daisley’s application. In the course of this review, new information emerged that was not available during Dr Daisley’s previous registration in Guyana. This development has necessitated further investigation and verification to ensure the highest standards of medical practice are upheld in the country.
As part of this process, the Council has formally reached out to the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago, requesting additional information regarding Dr Daisley. The T&T Board has acknowledged receipt of this correspondence and has indicated that a response will be provided in due course. The Medical Council of Guyana has stated that it will review the information upon receipt and make a decision on Dr Daisley’s application accordingly.
In 2013, Dr Daisley had initially ruled the death of Trinidadian soldier, Lance Corporal Curtis Marshall as a homicide but later revised his conclusion, stating that the death was due to an asthma attack. This reversal sparked public outrage and raised concerns about the reliability of his assessments.
In the case of Adrianna Younge, three esteemed pathologists conducted forensic autopsies: Dr Glenn A Rudner from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr Gary L Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, and Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, appointed by the Barbadian Government. Dr Collins was selected by the Younge family. All three concluded that Adrianna’s death was consistent with drowning, citing medical evidence such as fluid in the lungs and the absence of trauma or foul play.
Some critics suggest that the push for another autopsy may be driven by a desire to support certain viewpoints, rather than to genuinely challenge the consistent findings of previous examinations.
They also caution that repeated autopsies can compromise the physical condition of the body, potentially affecting the accuracy of any further forensic testing.

At least one local attorney has voiced concern about the matter, specifically questioning the chain of custody surrounding Adrianna’s remains.
Adrianna was found floating in the pool of the now-gutted Double Day Hotel on April 24, less than 24 hours after she was reported missing from the facility. Family members claim they had previously searched the pool and did not find the child’s body in the water.
This has sparked public outrage, triggering protests in Georgetown and other regions of the country. Demonstrators have accused the police of mismanaging the investigation and hindering the initial efforts to locate Adrianna. However, the protest was hijacked by political players and criminals and turned into public terror, with businesses being looted and persons being robbed. Several fires were set by those who created public terror. A number of persons have since been arrested and charged.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had pledged a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding Adrianna’s death and has called for calm.