–MP reduced to regional representative in parliament; sources say decision could have stemmed from handshake with the President

LEADER of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton has again ruffled the feathers of his People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) colleagues, this time by stripping A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira of his portfolio as Shadow Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Norton’s leadership of the party has been heavily criticised both internally and externally from the inception of his tenure and, this recent decision has added “fuel to the fire,” as the Guyana Chronicle understands no official reason was given for the actions against Figueira.

This publication was, however, reliably informed that the decision could have stemmed from Figueira’s decision to go against Norton’s famous “handshake policy” and shake the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s hand.

Unlike the Opposition Leader who, in the past, has refused to shake the President’s hand, Figueira, who is Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has displayed political maturity by engaging government officials on issues pertaining to the development of Linden and other communities in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice).

He was recently seen at the signing of the contract for the four-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the MP’s work was classified as “social work” and not “political work,” although reports are that initiatives coordinated by Figueira have amounted to more than what the PNC-R has done in years.

In an invited comment on Norton’s recent decision, Figueira told the Guyana Chronicle that he was initially ‘flabbergasted’ by the decision but has since accepted his fate.

He said his replacement is APNU+AFC Parliamentarian, Nima Flue-Bess. She has been called out in the past for controversial actions such as the unjustified efforts to stop the removal of illegal Mocha Arcadia squatters.

Figueira, however, said: “I will help my replacement to be successful in her new appointment…I will give her the support she needs.”

The MP, who was caught off guard by the Opposition Leader’s actions did not state whether a reason for the decision was communicated to him but said Norton would be the best person to address this.