PARAMARIBO – The Surinamese embassy in Guyana is currently closed. Ambassador Liselle Blankendal confirmed that is currently is not advisable for Surinamese nationals to visit neighbour-ing Guyana because of the disturbances that are happening in Guyana's capital, Georgetown.
The tensions in Guyana ran high on Tuesday after the cause of death of 11-year-old Adriana Jong was reported.
Three international coroners including American coroner Gary Collins carried out a forensic autopsy and concluded that the girl had drowned.
The disturbances, which erupted Monday night, came after the autopsy results for 11-year-old Adriana Younge, who died under suspicious circumstances at the Double Day Hotel last week. Protesters, many masked and on motorcycles, took to the streets in large numbers, blocking major roads, lighting fires, and storming businesses.
The Guyanese authorities imposed a curfew from 9:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Many businesses including the Surinamese embassy are closed. In order to restore law and order the government decided to ban public gatherings, meetings and marches in all regions of Guyana. The Guyanese police reportedly deployed its special units to restore order. Many citizens still have their doubts about the autopsy report. The Suriname authorities are keeping a close eye on the developments in neighbouring Guyana. Ambassador Blankendal emphasized that the closure of the embassy was necessary due to safety precautions. “We are following the instructions of the local authorities,” said Ambassador Blankendal. Surinamese citizens who are currently in Guyana are being advised to steer clear from disturbances and to stay in contact with the embassy via the digital channels.