Norton rules out joint economic planning with PPP/C, cites lack of consensus

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of joint economic planning with the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government, citing the current political climate as a barrier to collaboration.

During a press conference held today, the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) outlined the necessity of “solid political consensus, or shared “political understanding” as a prerequisite for any joint economic planning.

Norton noted that while the PNC/R remains open to joint efforts when success is likely in the case of defending Guyana’s territorial integrity; he noted that achieving a collaborative economic plan with the PPP appears unlikely at this time.

Norton stated, “We do not see the possibility of a joint economic development plan in the current political landscape.”

The PNCR leader said too, “The PPP’s inborn obsession with total political control and domination make such a consensus impossible.”

Moreover, Norton stated that something as simple as having a consensus not to politicize state buildings even by the colour is of importance. He said, “The PPP uses its colors at every roundabout. Now, I believe when the APNU was in government, we also overdid it with green in some areas…” He said all those are areas that must be addressed.

Concluding, Norton said that the current administration’s focus on corruption, infrastructure, and enriching friends and family, is fundamentally at odds with the PNC/R’s vision of a people-centered approach that prioritizes the interests of the Guyanese populace.

“We differ fundamentally from them,” Norton said.

He added, “Therefore at this stage, we have basically two diametrically opposed positions. Despite that statement, we haven’t ruled out moving forward, we find political consensus and create the conditions for a joint development plan.”