The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security says investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the death of 14-year-old Aleena Preetam, who died between Feb. 22 and Feb. 23, weeks after giving birth to a baby girl.
In a statement Thursday, the ministry said its Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) conducted an in-depth review of the case and is working with the Guyana Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine the next steps.
Investigators believe the father of the infant may be a teenage boy under the age of 18. DNA testing has been scheduled to help determine paternity. The baby has since been placed in the foster care system.
The ministry said the CPA first became aware of the underage pregnancy in September 2025. A forensic interview with Preetam was conducted at Blossom Inc., during which she made statements about her situation. She also received medical care at the regional hospital, and a referral was submitted to Blossom Inc. for victim support, court preparation assistance and trauma-focused counseling.
Authorities said Preetam had previously been the subject of a CPA intervention in 2024 following reports that she was allegedly physically, verbally and sexually abused by her father. She was removed from her family home in Region Two and placed in the temporary care of her older sister in Region Three under a caregiver agreement.
The allegations were reported to the Guyana Police Force, and after an investigation the father was charged. On Nov. 11, 2024, the matter was heard at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court and the father was remanded to prison.
However, on Dec. 6, 2024, the Essequibo High Court granted the father bail in the sum of $350,000 following an application by Preetam’s mother. The court ordered that the accused and anyone acting on his behalf, including the applicant mother, were not to make any contact with the child or come within 100 feet of her.
The High Court also directed that Preetam remain in the care and control of her older sister in Region Three or any other person designated by the Childcare and Protection Agency. The matter remains before the courts.
According to the ministry, Blossom Inc. later informed the CPA that on Dec. 11, 2024, staff contacted Preetam and her sister, who reported that they were well adjusted and did not wish to receive counseling services.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security said it continues to work with the CPA to strengthen its operations and increase staffing levels, particularly in regions with high caseloads. Recruitment in some regions has proven challenging, but training for staff is ongoing.
Officials also noted that efforts are underway to improve coordination among key support partners, including Blossom Inc. and ChildLink.
The ministry said the statutory framework governing child protection is also being strengthened, with amendments to the Sexual Offences Act already drafted and expected to be tabled in the National Assembly soon.