GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Friday reiterated its support for the family of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose body was found in a pool at a hotel here last week.
An autopsy has since indicated that the child died from drowning, but that has not prevented widespread accusations regarding her death.
Earlier this week, President Irfaan Ali said he had received a report from the police that the pathologists had also “ruled out theories of forceful drowning or any other means of killings.”
But Adriana’s family said the pathologists made no such findings known to them or their Attorney.
In a statement, the ERC said it continues to echo calls for justice and “in these difficult times, we must stand together as a nation to support healing and justice.”
The ERC said that it was disheartened to learn that on Thursday, the Tuschen Phase 2 Mandir was vandalized and its altar desecrated.
“The ERC firmly condemns such actions, which violate the sanctity of a place of worship for our Hindu brothers and sisters. Such acts are in direct contravention of the right to freedom of worship as enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana,” the ERC said, adding that it is calling on the Guyana Police Force “for swift action in addressing this matter thoroughly, to bring justice to the Hindu Community.”
The ERC said it is “deeply concerned by efforts to associate the tragedy” of Younge with the Hindu religion, adding that “these narratives are not only inaccurate but also threaten the spirit of unity and mutual respect that underpins our multicultural society.
“Hinduism, as reflected in its sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, does not support the sacrifice of human life for wealth or any other reason,” it said, noting that the Bhagavad Gita “clearly denounces greed and unjust acts while promoting righteousness, nonviolence (ahimsa), peace (shanti), and a life of moral discipline.
“Misrepresenting those principles is both misleading and offensive,” the ERC said, urging all members of the public, “especially those with large online audiences, to avoid speculation or rhetoric that associates the Hindu religion with human sacrificial offerings.
“Guyana is a secular nation that upholds freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence. Our diversity is a national strength that must be preserved and protected from divisive narratives. “The ERC stands with our Hindu brothers and sisters as well as with all other religious groups to denounce such harmful claims as we continue to join in prayers for Adrianna Younge.”
The ERC said it remains committed to promoting harmony among all religious and ethnic communities and “calls on every one to engage in responsible dialogue.
“Let us honor our shared values by fostering mutual understanding, compassion, and respect,” the ERC added.
and then  Friday reiterated its support for the family of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose body was found){kind=link}