By Abena Rockcliffe
From all indications, Aubrey Norton is resolute in his mission to rebuild the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and, by extension, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). To this end, he sees no need for his presence in the National Assembly.
At a press conference held this morning, Norton expressed satisfaction that he has served and has therefore decided not to return to the House.
Responding to questions about his main reason for sending the troop forward without him, Norton said:
“If one is looking to the future, I do not see why I should sit in the National Assembly at this stage; knowing full well that my intention is not to move forward and be as active as I used to be, but instead to undertake the task of rebuilding the party. I do not think I need to be in Parliament to undertake that task.”
Those headed to the House under the new dispensation are Sherod Duncan, David Hinds, Juretha Fernandes, Ganesh Mahipaul, Nima Flue-Bess, Saiku Andrews, Riaz Rupnarine, Dr Dexter Todd, Sharma Solomon, Coretta McDonald, and Vinceroy Jordan. Norton confirmed that the flock will be led by Dr Terrence Campbell.
Dr Campbell, the shepherd
Norton said that Dr Campbell will have the scope to make critical decisions regarding how matters are handled in the National Assembly. However, he stressed that Campbell will be guided by the party’s vision.
Responding to questions from Guyana Standard, Norton said: “We campaigned on a clear idea of the direction we were headed. It has to be a situation where the party develops its policies and everyone operates within the confines of the party’s policies and programmes.”
“Of course,” he added, “There is scope for some amount of individualism.” Tacit in that response is the understanding that Dr Campbell will be given the flexibility to make on-the-spot decisions when dealing with the party’s affairs in the National Assembly.
Norton said too that the new APNU team in opposition will not carry on the legacy of the old. He explained that new strategies will be employed to handle the nation’s interests. The constant walk-outs that came to define APNU parliamentarians will no longer be the primary response to government. Instead, Norton said, different tools, strategies, and tactics will be used.
“I will continue to lead”
From the very beginning of the press briefing, it became clear that Norton was not ready to accede to the demands of detractors.
Before Norton could even process his loss, persons both within and outside of the PNCR publicly called for him to step down as leader. This morning, Norton signalled no such intention. He said: “I will continue as leader of the PNCR. I will work to continue to rebuild the party.”
Noting the metaphor of the “good oak tree,” Norton said his party will re-emerge stronger and better. He stressed: “I will preside over the party and put the mechanisms in place, so that by the time we contest the next election, we will be well-structured and ready.” He added that by then, “new blood in the party will take over.”
Of note is Norton’s declaration that he has no intention of ever vying for the presidency again. However, he appears willing to retain leadership of the party.
When Guyana Standard asked Norton directly whether he would run for leader of the PNCR at the next congress, he responded with neither a negative nor an affirmative. Instead, Norton asserted that the PNCR itself will determine what happens next.
