International pathologist selected to investigate Adrianna’s death is highly qualified – MoH

See below statement from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Narine Singh:

International pathologist selected to investigate Adrianna’s death is highly qualified

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer has been made aware of a statement issued by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade, which contains several inaccuracies and misleading assertions. In light of the seriousness of the matter and in keeping with the Government’s commitment to transparency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to uncovering the full truth surrounding the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

To this end, the Government has taken the decision to engage the services of Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, an international forensic pathologist, to conduct a post-mortem examination. While Guyana possesses local pathology expertise, the appointment of Dr. Paul underscores the administration’s intent to ensure impartiality and public confidence in the integrity of the investigative process.

Dr. Paul is currently serving as Consultant Forensic Pathologist at the Forensic Sciences Centre under the Office of the Attorney General in Barbados, a position he has held since 2021. He holds an MBBS, MD, and DNB, and is a Member of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (MFFLM) of the Royal College of Physicians, UK. He is registered with the Barbados Medical Council and has previously been registered with both the UK’s General Medical Council and the Indian Medical Council.

With over 23 years of experience in forensic pathology, Dr. Paul brings a wealth of expertise in conducting autopsies, visiting crime scenes, analyzing skeletal remains, preparing comprehensive forensic reports, and providing expert testimony in court. He has managed a wide range of complex forensic cases, including homicides, drug-related deaths, and suicides, and has worked collaboratively with legal and medical authorities across jurisdictions.

He worked in the UK for a significant period, from 2009 to 2021. During this time, he held several positions as a Forensic Medical Examiner for various police constabularies, including NHS Tayside & Police Scotland, North Yorkshire, Humberside, South Yorkshire, and Wiltshire, as well as NHS Trusts. Additionally, he served as a Resident Medical Officer at BMI Alexandra Hospital and with the NES Health care agency.

Dr. Paul has a notable academic background, primarily in forensic medicine. He has served as an Associate Professor at Melmarvathur Adi Parasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research and PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in India. He also held the position of Assistant Professor at several institutions in India, including P.E.S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Kasturbai Medical College Mangalore, and JSS Medical College Mysore. Additionally, he was a Programme Manager at the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster in Northern Ireland.

Additionally, he is certified by the Medical Council to practice in Guyana. He also assisted local forensic experts with the identification of persons who died in the horrific fire at the Mahdia Secondary School Female Dormitory in May 2023.

I am is confident that Dr. Paul’s qualifications, experience, and independence make him well-suited to provide a thorough, transparent, and accurate assessment in this deeply sensitive case.

The tragic death of Adrianna Younge, whose body was discovered in the pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, has deeply impacted the nation. The Government remains commited to ensuring that justice is served and that the circumstances surrounding her death are fully and transparently investigated.