ROCKED by a no-confidence motion in 2018, the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and its affiliates have since been unable to find stability or ‘firm ground to stand on,’ as there have been mounting questions and complaints over the party’s actions, leadership and its general existence.

Criticisms from within and outside of the party range from the PNC’s inability to effectively represent its constituencies and register valid concerns over possible underserved areas, to its internal affairs that seem to be in shambles, with reports of financial mismanagement and racial prejudice.

One could conclude that the party has reached a point where it has no clear direction, strategy or political purpose, leaving its loyalists worried that this might be the end to a political organisation that already does not have the luxury of a decent history.

In fact, the Florida Chapter of the PNC, in a valiant effort to stop Norton’s leadership from being the nail in the coffin for the party, has filed a motion of no-confidence against him.
The motion was submitted by the Chairman of the PNC/R’s Florida Chapter, John C. Yates, who is seeking Norton’s resignation, given that under his leadership, a large number of members, supporters and sympathisers “have lost interest in this party,” while the business community has been withholding their support.

“Be it resolved that Mr. Aubrey Compton Norton must resign for reasons not limited to the following: Failure to keep his promises to unite the party, failure to mobilise for key political events, inability to keep the regional structures alive, [and] CEC meetings are infrequent,” the motion outlined.

“One year has elapsed, during which the PNC/R has moved in a speedy downward spiral in Guyana’s political space,” the motion said.
It further stated: “Be it further resolved that Aubrey Compton Norton be removed from the Office of Leader to allow for dynamic and inclusive leadership to stop the spiral.”

The motion, which was seconded by member Lawrence London, was sent to Chairman of the PNC/R North America Region Chapter in Brooklyn, New York, and copied to NAR Secretary Jackie Brown. The motion has reportedly also been sent to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).

It is now left to the membership of the PNC/R to determine whether they want the party to sink or let go of a man who has virtually no accomplishments as its leader.
It is pellucid that Norton has experienced quite the opposite of success since taking over, and this is evidenced vividly by the separation of the Alliance For Change (AFC) from its coalition with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which is led by the PNC/R.

There are reports too that he has also turned a blind eye to complaints made to him about “racial hostility” being faced by Indo-Guyanese party members by a named party executive.
This apparently was reflected in a letter written to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) by former Treasurer, Faaiz Mursaline— an Indo-Guyanese.

Mursaline had put the party on notice of his resignation which took effect on December 23. His announcement was made on the heels of the resignation of the party’s General Secretary, Geeta Chandan-Edmond— another Indo-Guyanese.

The party is bleeding and the time is now for the PNC/R to decide if it wants to stop hemorrhaging or if it will continue along a path that leads to its natural demise in the political arena.