–says she did not permit the initial public dissemination of this information
–Norton sees recent assault allegations as plot to discredit him ahead of congress, mulls legal action
LONG-STANDING People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member, Vanessa Kissoon, has alleged that party leader Aubrey Norton had threatened to sexually assault her.
Norton, however, prior to Kissoon’s official statement, had denied the allegation made against him and related that he will be pursuing legal action.
The recent ‘mud-slinging’ within the PNCR, especially as its congress draws near, has the party on its toes as the number of accusations against top-ranking members increases and are becoming more intense.
In a statement, Kissoon said: “There is a social media story that is taking on various proportions and shapes after a statement was released by one Egland Gomes, whom I acknowledge to have had conversation with sometime back with a third party being present. I did not in said conversation approve of Mr Gomes taking my story public for any purpose whatsoever.”
While Norton has denied being alone in a vehicle with Kissoon, she alleged otherwise, noting: “Despite what Mr Norton is now alleging, I have travelled in Mr. Norton’s car and under what I considered to be a threat to use a firearm, which he had in his possession and showed to me.”
She further alleged that Norton stopped and locked his car when the incident occurred.
She then said in the statement: “Mr Norton did not carry out his threats or desires, but I have carried the burden of this threat, disrespect and violation for years. I did tell a few of my close confidantes. Mr Norton has never been anything more to me than just a political comrade.”
Kissoon then said that she is “hurt” since “her story” was used for an ulterior motive by someone else.
She said: “Being forced to deal with this publicly as a result of the actions of another hurts. I can only say to those who, like me, are victims, do not make the same mistake as me. Take control of your experiences before others do so for you.”
Labelling the assault allegation as “malicious” and “false,” Norton said that he views it as a part of a “political plot,” since he had copped the most nominations when compared to his challengers.
The allegation was published by US-based Guyanese, Egland Gomes.
For the longest while, Gomes has openly rejected Norton’s leadership of the PNCR. However, this recent claim has steered the party down a dark path as it has surpassed the party level and made its way onto the national stage.
Norton, while denying the allegation initially released by Gomes, said: “I wish to make it very clear that at no time in my life did Sharma Solomon ever ask me to drop Vanessa Kissoon to Linden. Secondly, at no time, Vanessa Kissoon and I were in any vehicle alone, heading to Linden. All of these claims are false and malicious.”
Additionally, Norton said that he has already instructed his lawyers to take legal action on this matter.
The PNCR leader had also said that at no stage in his life has he ever been involved in the sexual assault of any person.
