All Guyanese must act with maturity, responsibility with an unwavering commitment to justice

Dear Editor,
The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) again extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose untimely death has shocked and saddened our nation. We stand in unwavering solidarity with all Guyanese who seek truth and justice in this tragic matter.
We acknowledge and support the steps already being taken by the authorities, including the engagement of an independent team of pathologists to ensure transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation. We further note that decisive internal actions have already been initiated by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), including an internal probe and the administrative leave of the divisional commander, and the arrest of several individuals, including the hotel owner and police ranks, in keeping with public expectations for transparency.
Against this backdrop, the LJP views the motions tabled by the APNU/AFC Opposition in today’s sitting of the National Assembly as misplaced and ill-timed. Of particular concern is the opposition’s motion calling for the establishment of a national alert system for missing persons. This call appears tone-deaf and amounts to political grandstanding, given that the GPF has already acted comprehensively on this very issue.
Only days ago, the GPF announced the implementation of a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling missing persons, especially missing children. The radical improvements include the immediate elimination of the outdated mandatory 24-hour waiting period and the activation of a Red Alert system that triggers an immediate, coordinated national response to any report of a missing child. These are substantive reforms, undertaken responsibly and proactively, without the need for political theatre.
The LJP strongly urges all stakeholders, including the opposition, to exercise sound judgment and responsible leadership. Justice must be allowed to take its full and proper course, free from unnecessary political interference that could further undermine the already fraying public trust in the very institutions we rely upon to deliver justice. The Linden case, where a police sergeant was charged and remanded for the murder of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters just a few weeks ago, stands as evidence that the system can and does work when due process is allowed to unfold. We must show equal respect and patience in the Adrianna Younge case, ensuring that the investigation proceeds unimpeded and that justice is served in full accordance with the law.
The public should be wary of the standard visible opposition political operatives fanning the flames of anarchy and burnings of public and private property. In no way should such behaviour be tolerated and be seen as acceptable in peaceful protest.
Following the conclusion of this matter and the delivery of justice, the LJP welcomes the opportunity for a collective, national review of systemic issues and for constructive recommendations to be tabled in the true spirit of national interest.
We owe it to Adrianna, her family, and to all Guyanese to act with maturity, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Choose liberty. Choose justice. Choose integrity. Choose Guyana

Sincerely,
Lenox R. O. Shuman,
Leader – Liberty and Justice Party