14-year-old dies one month after giving birth

A close relative is in custody following the death of a 14-year-old mother from Good Hope Village, Essequibo Coast, who passed away nearly a month after giving birth. The student died in the early hours of Republic Day. She had given birth in January, after a pregnancy that reportedly was not widely known within the community.
Community members described the teen as a quiet and gentle child who had been an active member of her Sunday School. She stopped attending school and Sunday School classes after becoming unwell following her pregnancy.
Reports indicate that the circumstances of her pregnancy were known to authorities, including the Welfare Office, the Education Department, and the Child Protection Agency. A relative has since been taken into custody on allegations of impregnating the child.
Residents are urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. The deceased teen leaves behind younger sisters, and an appeal has been made to the Ministry of Health to ensure that her newborn receives full medical care and support.