PNCR leadership rapped for actions that are ‘inimical’ to development

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), during one of the activities it hosted to remember its founder, Forbes Burnham, was rapped by his son-in-law, Dr Richard Van West Charles, for blocking political dialogue.

“Let us embrace diverse views, let us be courteous and respectful, talk to our comrades across the aisle and don’t be afraid. Intellect, humility, respect for each other are important ingredients,” Van West Charles said to an audience that included PNCR leader, Aubrey Norton.

He added, “Our actions cannot be inimical to the development and there must be an understanding of and the tolerance of different viewpoints.”

Losing Support

Norton has been losing support among his own comrades for months now.

PNCR national treasurer, Faaiz Mursaline, in a letter to the PNCR Central Executive Committee, charged that the party “is in a bad state when comes to leadership “ and accused Norton of running a “oneman” show. The former PNCR national treasurer, said, “As a businessman, I couldn’t continue. I am willing to stay with the PNC but not with the current leader…Norton is like an aloof leader.” Mursaline also raised concerns about the PNCR’s financial practices. He 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.”

Earlier this year, the PNCR’s Florida chapter has compiled a no confidence motion against PNCR leader Aubrey Norton. Signed by the Chapter’s Chairman, John C. Yates, and seconded by Lawrence ‘Larry’ London, the motion cites Norton’s failures as a leader. The motion said, “The PNCR has moved in a speedy downward spiral in Guyana’s political space… the Party’s image has been severely tarnished and a large number of our Members, supporters, and sympathizers have lost interest in this party. The business community from whom we got significant support has been withholding that support…the recent revelations by the former treasure has been quite damaging.” The motion added that Norton must resign over his failures to unite the party, to mobilise for key political events, etc.

Meanwhile, on Thursday (January 12, 2023), Norton tried to defend himself, insisting that the no-confidence motion is not valid because of technicalities. According to him, a leader can only be removed at a Congress, done every two years, or at a Special Congress, which has not been called.

Norton has been the party’s leader since December, 2021.

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She said, “This is your shame. This is your legacy…you have to apologize to the people for what you did to them.”

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, had said, “They come to us, now, with their righteousness, their croco -