Norton facing increasing show of no-confidence from his fellow party members

Theincreasingly embattled leader of the PNCR and the Parliamentary Opposition, Aubrey Norton, is facing an increasing show of no-confidence and nofaith by his comrade party members.

The fact was highlighted by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, who underscored that Norton’s leadership ability is being more publicly called into question.

Referencing viral video of Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson, who while engaging a businessman of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, made clear that Norton will not be the Opposition Leader for much longer, he noted that Norton’s own party is “turning against” him. According to Dr Jagdeo, Ferguson’s statement makes it clear that there is a major internal problem in the party. “I think he (Norton) has bigger concerns now… last week we saw one of the Members of Parliament, who said that Norton will not be there much longer…this is a feeling among many of the others…many of them are not much better than Norton, but they’re also vying for leadership in that party,” Jagdeo said.

On recording, which has already been widely circulated on social media,

Ferguson said, "Let me tell you something, I am PNC. I am APNU. I will remain just there because I know Norton will not be the leader all the time...Norton not gonna be the leader, so we got to look forward...we have to get a new leader before Congress, before the Elections.”

Ferguson was speaking to a businessman from Plaisance, Region 4, at the time the recording was made.

This year alone Norton has been made to respond to a blank cheque scandal. PNCR treasurer, Fiaaz Mursaline, had made damning revelations about being made to sign blank cheques must be looked into. He had said, “I am the treasurer and I was elected but all I was used for is to sign cheques and that was merely my duties there with Norton’s leadership… from the time I took office as the elected treasurer of this great party, I was signing blank cheques with no supporting documents. I am always called to sign cheques and whenever I share an opinion of dislike towards this, I am met with hostility. In the month of November it got worst…in that month I signed about 20 blank cheques…I do not know what are the amounts of money written on any of those cheques and I don’t know for what reasons the money, if any were spent on…I requested of the Leader for us to do a financial audit of the finances of Congress Place for our own benefit and for us to ensure proper accountability and transparency. I even suggested that because Cde. Volda Lawrence has the skills in that area we use her to be our guidance. The intention was solely to do what is right for our party and to build trust among our membership. The Leader told me that is a conflict of interest and that he will take care of it. To date nothing has been done.”

Further, citing “weak and ineffective” leadership, United States Chapter PNCR member, Egland Gomes, has threatened that an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety must be done, or “recorded information” about PNCR leader, Aubrey Norton, might be

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