Now unopposed for leadership of the PNCR after the dramatic withdrawal of his two challengers on Thurs-day, party leader, Aubrey Norton in his address yesterday to the 32nd Biennial Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), emphasized poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, and social justice.
Education, healthcare, and social services stood at the forefront of his promises in addition to outlining the PNCR’s vision for governance.
His former challengers MPs Amanza Walton-Desir and Roysdale Forde SC, were notably absent from the Opening Cere-mony of the 32nd Biennial Congress amid weeks of tumult in the party in the run up to yesterday’s congress.
Walton-Desir, the Sha-dow Foreign Affairs Minister, cited serious concerns over transparency and fairness in the electoral process as reasons for suspending her campaign. She expressed disappointment over not receiving a list of delegates and highlighted disagreements among candidates on election procedures.
Shortly after her withdrawal, Forde announced his decision to suspend his campaign, citing irregularities in the electoral pro-cess, including issues with the delegate list and unreasonable timelines imposed for the congress. He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency within the party.
Both candidates stressed their commitment to the PNCR’s values despite withdrawing, urging unity among members and calling for reforms to ensure democratic standards are upheld in future elections.
Amidst the controversy leading up to Congress, Norton delivered a critique of the PPP/C Govern-ment’s policies, setting a tone ahead of pivotal discussions. Against a backdrop of economic growth juxtaposed with widespread economic disparities, Norton’s speech echoed across the assembly hall. Throughout the speech, observers and delegates raised their voices in support for the Leader and many cheered “Au-brey! Aubrey! Aubrey!”.
Highlighting the stark realities faced by Guya-nese citizens amidst economic strides, Norton spared no criticism in condemning the current administration’s priorities. “Child poverty and food insecurity continue to haunt our streets, starkly contrasting with the glittering infrastructure projects lining our roads,” he lamented, drawing attention to the paradox of progress marred by social neglect.
Drawing on global parallels, Norton drew a
cautionary comparison with nations like Equatorial Guinea, where economic mismanagement resulted in dire social crises. He underscored declining sectors such as gold and sugar production under the current regime, linking these to broader economic challenges and foreign exchange crises. Norton’s accusations of incompetence and corruption were met with fervent nods from the assembly, reflecting shared concerns over transparency in economic reporting and unaddressed unemployment rates.
The urgency for change permeated Norton’s address as he rallied support for national unity in the face of external threats, particularly from neighbouring Venezuela. His call for a robust foreign policy stance and underscored the party’s resolve to safeguard Guyana’s territorial integrity and economic interests.
Closing with a call to action, Norton rallied delegates and the nation around the theme of “Forming the next government: building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society for all.” Specific policy initiatives aimed at poverty reduction, economic growth, and national security framed his vision for a future led by the PNCR, punctuating a charged session that set the stage for deliberations ahead.
PNCR Chairman Shurwayne Holder reflected on the party’s storied history and ambitious future, marking the Congress’s theme, “Forming the Next Government, Building a Just, Inclusive, and Prosperous Society for All.” With a nod to the party’s foundational milestones and recent resurgence in grassroots engagement, Holder set an optimistic tone for the days ahead, urging unity and strategic focus in charting the party’s course towards national leadership.
As the 32nd Biennial Congress unfolds over the weekend, delegates will delve into critical discussions on human development, economic policy, resource management, and governance strategies.
There were some bizarre moments during the congress opening with a woman seemingly possessed rolling on the floor just in front of the podium. There were initial attempts to restrain her but these petered out.
In recent weeks, the PNCR has reeled from a series of setbacks. A Partnership for National Unity – the coalition that the PNCR had helped form – announced that it had elected new office bearers in the absence of the PNCR. This was rejected by Norton.
Days later, Norton was faced with accusations of sexual harassment by party member Vanessa Kissoon which he strenuously denied. This matter is being examined by party elders. In the interim charges and counter charges flowed among party members leading to acrimony on social media.
On June 24, just days before the congress was to start, party General Secretary Dawn Hastings-Williams resigned with immediate effect citing dissatisfaction with arrangements for the congress, financial matters and humiliating incidents.
In her resignation letter seen by Stabroek News, Hastings-Williams recounted a plethora of problems to Norton.
She said she disagreed that the congress could be called with just one month for planning. Other members of the PNCR have also complained about this.
“With all the administrative task that has to be undertaken by the secretariat, I believe that the one-month period for preparation for such a congress can lead to confusion rather than having a fair and transparent process and outcome. I am quite sure that you and the members of the CEC (Central Executive Committee) will agree with me that when the Congress is over it must conclude in a positive light”, Hastings-Williams said.
She also addressed shenanigans over membership of the party and humiliations she had suffered.
“…ever since my assumption of Office as the General Secretary, I have been attempting to correct this (membership) situation after I was informed that the external drive with all the information on the General membership was removed and perhaps destroyed and that the software on the computer (had) crashed. I can confirm the computer was eventually fixed sometime in late April or early May. And then you had the incident where the CPU (Central Processing Unit) was removed from the department without the General Secretary’s permission. This occurrence caused a delay for almost two weeks. Consequently, I cannot personally vouch for the accuracy of the records in this section. Additionally, I have received complaints from several groups and party members some in writing, that the records of the secretariat do not correspond with their previous submissions and that their membership register does not reflect their true membership”, Hastings-Williams, an APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, said.
She added: “Many members also claim that they have been unable or will be unable to meet the short deadlines set for the submission of the delegates and other information because of the short notice period for Congress. Consequently, I cannot substantiate or dismiss the accuracy of these claims especially when it was only Friday 21st June, the updated but not quite completed General Membership Register was handed over to the Administrator. Hence the need for corrections and changes will have to be done between the current time and the date of the Congress”, she stated.
