President Dr Irfaan Ali said he has spoken to dozens of persons who were harmed, robbed and/or injured by criminal elements on Monday.
“I expressed our collective concern and love as law-abiding citizens. I assured them that those responsible for inflicting pain, harm, injury and damage would be prosecuted according to the law,” he said in a Facebook post.
According to the President, the pain of innocent women and children is always the worst and hardest to imagine.
“Some of the stories were deeply troubling and horrific. I assured these individuals and families of my support and commitment to ensuring they, too, receive justice,” he noted.
Earlier, President Ali and First Lady Arya Ali, in separate statements, called for peace and harmony in Guyana as they shared their thoughts and reflections on recent national events.
Both the First Lady and the President expressed concern and pledged solidarity with the nation.
“Today, I ask each of us to prayerfully reflect on our lives as citizens. I especially lift up Adrianna, her family, and all in our society who are in pain and distress. I also hold in prayer those who were harmed, traumatised, mistreated, injured, or taken advantage of yesterday and last night. I pray that we are inspired by what uplifts us rather than what tears us apart—by what draws us closer rather than what drives us away from one another. I pray that love, brotherhood, and a spirit of humanity form the foundation that holds us together,” the President said.
The post went on to call for a united Guyana.
Meanwhile, First Lady Arya Ali broke her silence on the situation surrounding Adrianna’s demise in a Facebook post.
“Over the past few days, I have been quietly reflecting on the tragic loss of little Adrianna Younge. Like many of you, I have been awaiting clear and verified information while sharing in the national grief. My heart aches for the parents, family, friends, schoolmates, teachers, and neighbours of Adrianna. I mourn the loss of the intelligent, upstanding grownup she never got to be. I am heartened by the nationwide outpouring of support and solidarity for Adrianna’s family and community. I am also grateful for the distinguished panel of pathologists who travelled here from abroad to help a grieving family and nation find answers.
Like every Guyanese family, my family mourns Adrianna’s death as if she were a member of our own family. We stand ready to support her family during this most difficult time.
I take this time to also call on those using this fragile situation to perpetuate violence and instill fear to desist from doing so. Adrianna’s life was one of peace, calmness and love and we must demonstrate these qualities, even in the most difficult times, in her honour. May her beautiful soul rest peacefully.”
