Dear Editor,
The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News on Friday, April 9, 2010, under the caption ‘Child’s sudden death leads to parents’ arrest.’

The article which dealt with the death of six-year-old Devi Mangal of Lochaber, West Canje, Berbice, at the New Amsterdam Hospital on Wednesday April 7, 2010, stated in the last paragraph that the mother and stepfather had been arrested and up to late yesterday [Thursday] afternoon they were still at the police station as investigations continued.

The Police Force wishes to state that at no stage were the mother of the child, Lilawatie Ramdin, and her stepfather Carl Edwards arrested by the police or detained at any police station.

Upon being informed of the death of Devi Mangal at the hospital on Wednesday April 7, where she had been admitted along with her brothers Ajai Mangal, 9, and Diviskar Mangal, 7, the police commenced investigations during which Lilawatie Ramdin and Carl Edwards were invited to the Central Police Station.

They subsequently arrived there at about 1500h and left at about 1830 h on Wednesday, April 7, after giving written statements concerning the matter to the police who during the ensuing investigations were informed by the authorities that the children had been admitted to the hospital suffering from severe dehydration and gastro.

The force reiterates that the mother and stepfather of the affected children have not been arrested nor were they detained by the police.

A post mortem examination is to be performed on the body of Devi Mangal.

Yours faithfully,
Ivelaw Whittaker
Public Relations and Press
Officer