Latest update June 18th, 2025 6:25 PM
Police silent on whether Double Day Hotel owner still in custody
—-Jagdeo says Hicken, Police PR must answer
Kaieteur News- Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said Wednesday that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) must provide information on whether Bhojnauth Bhola, the owner of Double Day Hotel, remains in custody in relation to the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge at his East Bank Essequibo establishment.
Owner of Double Day Hotel, Bhojnauth Bhola
Bhola and several of his staff members were arrested last Thursday after Adriana’s body was found in the hotel’s pool at Tuschen.
While the 72 hours have passed since their arrest, and despite repeated inquiries by journalists, including questions posed in the police media WhatsApp group, which includes Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, the GPF has yet to provide an update on the hotel owner and his staff who were arrested.
At a press conference, Jagdeo made it clear that operational updates from the police are not for the politicians to do. “So, I don’t know who they are, I don’t interfere in police negotiations, I think politicians should stay away from police investigations. But this is a question that you should pose to the Commissioner of Police or the PR unit,” he said.
Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken
He noted that media houses are part of the police’s official communication channels and urged them to press for answers there, rather than expect political figures to provide operational details. “Why don’t you pose the question in that group, rather than ask a politician to tell you?” Jagdeo asked.
Pressed further on the lack of response from the police PR unit despite multiple requests, Jagdeo acknowledged the gap and called on the force to improve its public communication. “The PR group must deal with it… the police have their own PR group and they must deal with these matters too and provide timely information… they have to step up on the PR front,” he asserted.
He also urged the GPF to provide clear and timely updates.
A message that was sent in the police media WhatsApp group on Tuesday afternoon, but received no response, like previous messages.
The vice president’s response came amid growing public and media concerns over the handling of the investigation. Bhola, who previously faced a murder charge in 2012, was reportedly taken into custody on the morning of April 24. His staff was detained the same day after Adriana’s body was recovered. However, nearly a week later, the police have remained silent on whether the suspects are still being held or have been released.
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