Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton has denied reports that he does not get along with staff under his supervision.

Norton made the comments in responding to an article in this newspaper last Saturday. The Guyana Chronicle had quoted a top source on condition of anonymity that several complaints had been lodged against Norton by persons with whom he worked as Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment. This newspaper understands that he was non-cooperative with workmates, which caused much discomfort. However, Norton has unequivocally denied the reports as mischievous and malicious. He said he has had an excellent relationship with his staff and he has not heard of anyone lodging such complaints.

Norton is one of three presidential who will be assigned executive functions as President David Granger move to scrap the advisory role they played. Speaking at a news conference last Friday, the Head-of-State confirmed that he has decided not to renew the contracts of the three advisers: Norton; Rear Admiral Gary Best, Presidential Adviser on the Environment and Brigadier (ret’d) Edward Collins, Presidential Adviser on National Security. Norton is a long-standing member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and has held several positions therein.

Brigadier (ret’d) Collins and Rear Admiral Best are former Chiefs-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). When asked by the Guyana Chronicle about his decision, President Granger said, “Having come into office in May 2015, we sought their advice; and the advisory functions have more or less come to an end and we have asked for them to accept executive functions. So yes, we don’t need them in the role of advisors, but we are likely to appoint them in executive posts and that is being worked out.” The President did not disclose the areas to which the trio is likely to be assigned.