-Jagdeo blasts Norton on his absence from Amna Ally’s funeral, wake

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday called out People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) leader Aubrey Norton’s small-minded politics, citing his absence from Amna Ally’s funeral.

Dr. Jagdeo called out Norton during his press conference, which was held at the PPP’s Freedom House headquarters.

“You have had Amna Ally in your party for 50 years; you didn’t show up at the wake nor the funeral. What kind of vindictive small-minded leader are you? This is a former General Secretary of the party,” Jagdeo pointed out.

Dr. Jagdeo noted that Ally never left the PNC, mentally, though she had resigned from the party earlier this year.

The PPP General Secretary added, “Although she was dissatisfied with what was going on in the party, and Norton’s leadership, mentally, she didn’t leave the PNC.”

He went on to say that Norton’s no-show at Ally’s funeral and wake showed his vindictiveness, and is contrary to what he preaches about unity and unifying people.

In March of this year, the long-standing member of the PNC resigned over concerns with its leadership and the treatment of women within the party.

In her correspondence, she expressed regret over the decision, but indicated that she could not support the party under its current leadership.

Ally passed away last Saturday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after being rushed there the previous day for heart complaints.

She was reportedly admitted to the institution’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a critical condition.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who was among the first to react upon learning of her demise, said in a passionate Facebook post, “On behalf of the Government of Guyana and my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Parliamentarian, General Secretary of the PNC/R, and Minister of Government Amna Ally. Amna had a long career as a Parliamentarian, dating back to 1985.”