GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Apr 30, CMC – The Guyana government says the “ national situation” is returning to normalcy and that as of Wednesday, “normal business activities are expected to resume across the country”.
The unrest had been sparked across sections of Guyana’s coastland and Linden triggered by the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose body had been found in a pool last Thursday at a hotel that was subsequently burnt down.
The government had announced a four and a half hour curfew and the order, which was gazetted on Tuesday, stated that there shall be no public meetings, gatherings, and assemblies of persons, procession or marches in any public space during the hours of 12:30am and 5:00am as the as the capital remained a virtual ghost town.
In a statement late Tuesday night, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, advised that the Joint Services, comprising of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Defence Force and other agencies have been actively engaged to ensure the continued safety of all citizens.
It said that several individuals have been arrested, and reports are being prepared for further action. Any further roadblocks and other criminal acts will be responded to promptly and decisively.
“At this time, the situation across the country remains stable, with the exception of one isolated area along the Mabura trail to Linden. Authorities are currently resolving the situation to ensure that it does not impact on the broader restoration of normalcy,” the statement said.
Benn reminded citizens that it is advisable to remain at home and in safe spaces during the curfew hours.
“This measure is critical to assist the security forces in maintaining public safety. While there is no formal change to the existing Public (Safety) Order 2025, at this time, residents are strongly encouraged to adhere to this safety practices for non-essential travel to allow security personnel to be able to respond promptly to any emerging issues,” the statement said.
“These precautions are part of the Ministry’s efforts to maintain a high level of security across the nation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Citizens are thanked for their cooperation and patience during this period,” it added.
On Tuesday, most businesses and government departments closed their doors after police and groups of persons clashed in the capital, Georgetown on Monday and a few businesses were looted.
While schools opened their doors on Tuesday, most students stayed at home.
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken said the situation had returned to normalcy.
“The joint services posture has now normalized the situation to prevent people from perpetrating acts of crime against each other,” he said in a statement, adding that Joint Services patrols would continue to “maintain a strong presence” in Guyana’s 10 administrative regions to ensure law and order.
Hicken said that over the past 24 hours, 100 persons have been arrested for various offenses, including robbery under arms. In addition, 37 motorcycles that were used to perpetrate crimes had been seized.
“As such, charges will be laid for those in custody,” Hicken said, adding that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had issued wanted bulletins for a number of individuals.
He said the GPF remains resolute in its efforts to restore order and ensure public safety and urges all citizens to cooperate as operations continue across the country.
On Monday night, police shot and killed two people.
On Monday, Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic administration of politicising the death of the 11-year-old child, and that the government was fearful of the multiracial outpouring of grief and protest.
“Let it be made very clear. We do not support the looting. We do not support the destruction of property. We are fully in support in this struggle for justice, Norton said.
An autopsy later indicated that Younge died from drowning.
CMC/gt/ir/2025