By Kurt Campbell
kurt@newsroom.gy
In a deeply emotional session of the National Assembly on Monday, Opposition Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira moved a motion to establish a national child emergency alert system, named the Adrianna Alert System, in honour of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose death shook the nation.
Figueira, visibly moved and at times holding back tears, called for urgent legislative reform to create a rapid response mechanism for missing children, similar to the Amber Alert systems used in countries such as the United States, Canada, and across the European Union.
“This system is not meant to compete with the Guyana Police Force,” Figueira stated, “but to complement their efforts and address the gaps that were so painfully exposed in Adrianna’s case.”
The proposed alert system, he said, would ensure the immediate dissemination of critical information via mobile phones, media outlets and public networks to facilitate the rapid recovery of missing children and deter potential abductions.
Figueira emphasised that Guyana, as the fastest growing economy in the world, must proactively implement modern security and public safety measures that reflect its evolving social landscape.
“This is not only about creating a system; it is about honouring a young life lost too soon and ensuring her tragic death leads to something meaningful and lasting,” he said.
Opposition Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira during the budget debates (Photo: DPI/ January 24, 2024)
The motion outlines several key provisions:
That consultations begin immediately with the Guyana Police Force, telecom providers, civil society groups and child rights advocates to design the alert system.
That the necessary legislative framework be drafted and tabled within six months.
That the system be officially named the Adrianna Alert System as a tribute to Adrianna Younge.
That annual reports on the system’s effectiveness and implementation be presented to the National Assembly to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Figueira’s presentation turned personal as he recounted the painful image of Adrianna’s father retrieving her body from a swimming pool. He described the father’s anguished cry as something “only those who feel it know,” adding that this sorrowful moment must lead to meaningful reform.
“We must restore public confidence. The old ways are no longer sufficient in a rapidly digitising and growing society,” he said, also noting the need to root out corruption and criminal elements from within law enforcement.
The motion received a solemn response across the chamber, with MPs acknowledging the growing calls from the public for decisive action in protecting the nation’s children.
The final call from Figueira was unambiguous:
“The people of Guyana demand more from those in uniform. Our children deserve better. Let this be our turning point.”
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
In response to the motion, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips noted that the Guyana Police Force has already revised its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling missing persons cases.
He outlined key provisions, including the removal of the 24-hour waiting period and the immediate activation of a Red Alert for missing children. Vulnerable individuals—such as children, the elderly, and those deemed at risk—will now be automatically classified as high-risk, prompting the rapid deployment of resources. The Prime Minister also highlighted enhanced interagency collaboration and a commitment to timely public communication, stating that divisional commanders will provide daily oversight until cases are resolved.
“These revised SOPs will be gazetted tomorrow,” he confirmed, assuring the House that the Government is taking concrete steps to strengthen child protection mechanisms nationwide.
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