Editorial | Sunday Guyana Business Journal
Justice, Stability, and Responsibility
A Call to Action from the Business Community
The death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge is a tragedy that has shaken the conscience of the nation. It has pierced the hearts of citizens from every walk of life—not only because of the harrowing circumstances under which she died, but also because of the disturbing uncertainty that continues to cloud the official narrative. In moments like these, silence is not neutrality—it is abdication.
The Guyanese business community must not shrink from its role as a moral stakeholder in this society. While we recognize the legitimate need for peace and stability, we affirm that true peace is not the absence of protest, but the presence of justice. True stability is not maintained by force, but by the public’s trust in institutions that act with transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Now is the time for all chambers of commerce, industry associations, and private sector leaders to stand firmly for the principles that underpin a democratic and equitable society. We must collectively and unequivocally support a full, transparent, and independent investigation into Adrianna Younge’s death. The public deserves to see the facts, not filtered reports or carefully worded statements, but an unvarnished account of what occurred and who is responsible. Accountability must follow wherever the evidence leads, whether it implicates law enforcement, state agencies, individuals, or other institutions entrusted with protecting our children.
We must also urge the government to communicate openly and act decisively. The credibility of our institutions is not preserved through silence or delay, but through the courage to confront hard truths. Equally, the response to public protest must be measured and respectful of civil rights. Suppressing legitimate expressions of grief and outrage will not restore order but deepen distrust.
This tragedy compels us to reflect more broadly on the protection of children and the performance of our public systems. It is not enough to call for calm while the conditions that led to this moment remain unaddressed. As a business community, we must understand that justice is not an obstacle to development—it is the ground upon which all sustainable progress is built. There can be no meaningful prosperity if the most vulnerable among us are abandoned and those responsible for safeguarding them are not held accountable.
Adrianna Younge cannot be brought back, but her death must not be in vain. It must serve as a national reckoning and a moment of collective resolve to strengthen our institutions, protect our children, and reassert the values that define us as people. Let us not look away. Instead, let us speak clearly, act decisively, and demand more from our leaders, institutions, and ourselves.
Let this be a turning point—not just a tragic footnote.
— The Editorial Board
Guyana Business Journal
www.guyanabusinessjournal.com
Money Cannot Buy Justice