IN recent weeks, the growing evidence of internal dissent within the opposition party has brought to light a concerning situation for Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the Opposition. It is apparent that Norton does not enjoy the support of his members, who appear to have no faith in his leadership ability.

This revelation was underscored by a viral video featuring Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson, engaging with a businessman from Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, and explicitly expressing doubts about Norton’s future as the Opposition Leader.

Beyond mere claims and promises, Norton now faces more pressing concerns as his own party seems to be turning against him. Last week, a Member of Parliament publicly stated that Norton’s tenure would be short-lived. Her statement serves as undeniable proof of a significant internal problem within the party, particularly considering it was made during a quiet moment, indicative of a shared sentiment among many others vying for leadership positions within the party.

Since assuming the role of Opposition Leader in April 2021, Norton has struggled to garner support within his own party and failed to gain national appeal necessary to solidify his position at the helm of the opposition. His popularity within the party base has declined, with other figures surpassing him in ratings. Moreover, Norton lacks cross-over ethnic support and fails to attract floating or middle-ground voters critical for winning elections.

Compounding Norton’s leadership challenges are allegations of discrimination and racial hostility, tarnishing his reputation just one year after taking the helm of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), a party he served for decades. Additionally, Norton has been criticised for his hypocrisy and constant dissemination of misleading information to the citizens of Guyana.

At a time when Guyana is experiencing the highest point of oil and gas revenues, Norton’s unrealistic assertion of providing $1 million per household raises questions about his grasp of economic realities. Such unfounded claims undermine Guyana’s credibility and hinder its ability to be taken seriously on the international stage. How can we expect an Opposition Leader to be involved in meaningful policymaking when the entire opposition engages in far-fetched assertions while disregarding established facts?

In stark contrast, the PPP/C Government is committed to a massive development trajectory that will establish a strong foundation for Guyana’s future economy. Their focus lies in areas such as food security, agro-processing, ecological preservation, financial services, technological advancement, healthcare, and manufacturing. The government recognises the importance of investing in skills training and scholarship opportunities to equip the nation with the necessary human resources to support this development.

The waning support for Aubrey Norton within his own party jeopardizes the opposition’s viability as a meaningful political force. The internal divisions and doubts surrounding his leadership abilities hinder the party’s ability to challenge the government effectively. Guyana cannot afford to be led by a leader who fails to inspire confidence or exhibit a comprehensive understanding of the country’s needs. It is imperative that the opposition party resolves its leadership crisis swiftly to restore its credibility and provide a robust alternative to the government’s vision for a prosperous Guyana.