Aubrey Norton, Leader of the PNCR, has chosen not to publicly respond to allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Vanessa Kissoon to enable party elders to conduct their investigation.
When contacted yesterday by the Sunday Stabroek, Norton stated, “I have agreed in principle to not comment in the public domain and to let them [Elders of the Party] do what they need to do.”
Kissoon, also a member of the PNCR, has yet to respond to the statement issued by the Council of Elders. Stabroek News has been unsuccessful in its attempts to obtain her comment on the matter.
The allegations have prompted an investigation by the Council of Elders, in collaboration with the National Congress of Women (NCW) and the Guyana Youth and Student Movement. The Council of Elders officially announced this inquiry during a press conference at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday.
At the press conference, veteran politician Hamilton Green, speaking on behalf of the Council of Elders, emphasized their commitment to impartiality and the pursuit of truth. “Our role goes beyond partisan interests; it is about ensuring justice and maintaining a conducive environment for the PNCR,” Green asserted. Notable figures such as Yvonne Harewood-Benn and Robert Corbin are among the Elders appointed to oversee a thorough investigation into the allegations and to provide recommendations for the way forward.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the NCW reaffirmed its dedication to promptly and impartially addressing misconduct against women. MP Volda Lawrence, Chairman of the NCW, underscored, “We will not allow such matters to be adjudicated in the court of public opinion. Our actions are guided by fairness and respect for due process.”
On June 18, Kissoon said on her Facebook page that she had been threatened with rape some years ago while travelling in a vehicle with Norton.
Kissoon’s statement came after she was challenged earlier in the day by Norton to clear the air in relation to allegations that were being made that he had sexually harassed her. Norton denied the claim. He said that he had never travelled alone with Kissoon.
In her statement, Kissoon said that she had not consented to the publicizing of her conversation about the incident by another person but felt it was now important to clear the air.
“PNCR Party members, supporters, fellow Guyanese, I have served the people of this country with pride at the highest level of decision making. Many women, young people, persons of all ages, class and races look to me for leadership and expect me to do what is right. I am committed to their expectations of me as a female advocate and role model, a politician, a teacher, and most of all a mother.
“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.
“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 said.
She then related what had transpired and added “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”.
She added: “Since my story has gone public without me initiating it, as it was my right, I state that was wrong, regardless of motive. 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.
“Mr. Norton may have missed the times we are in and the value placed in protecting women and girls. No one should be subjected to such inappropriate sexual advances and threats. To those men and women who have allowed politics and not what is right to influence your judgement of the situation, you have a lot to learn about abuse and sexual misconduct. I recall how vigorously some of you went after other accused but how you let down your own. Our party, our nation, needs more enlightenment and a nonpartisan approach to actions of this nature”.
