REPORTEDLY dissatisfied with the response from the crowd and the order of the programme for the opening ceremony of the Bartica Regatta on Sunday, Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Aubrey Norton left abruptly.

Unlike Norton, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy and other officials received a resounding welcome from residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Norton attempted to have the programme adjusted so he could address the audience after the Prime Minister, but his efforts proved futile.

When contacted, Chairman of Region Seven, Kenneth Williams, said the PNC/R leader informed the organisers that he had to “leave early.”

There are already increasing reports that the PNC/R is losing support in its traditional stronghold areas, including Region Seven, and persons are gravitating towards the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), which is implementing policies and programmes that target all Guyanese regardless of their race, age, and political affiliation.

Region Seven, including Bartica, has seen tremendous improvements in community infrastructure, the welfare of residents and other crucial sectors.

Testimony of the PPP/C’s commitment to development, in 2023 alone, the region’s capital budget was increased by over $500 million.

The PNC/R, on the other hand, is facing criticisms for not having its “house in order,” with growing tension and conflicts among members. Noteworthy was the absence of PNC/R’s General Secretary, Dawn Hastings-Williams at the Bartica Regatta in her region of birth. Recently, Hastings-Williams and her driver were prevented from entering the party’s Congress Place Headquarters in Sophia.

Norton was accompanied to Region Seven by Mervyn Williams who has been speaking out on behalf of Norton and the party.