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Leader of the People’s National Congress/Reform, Mr. Aubrey Norton, this morning at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition press conference confirmed Member of Parliament, Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmonds, has resigned as General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), and Mr. Faaiz Mursaline as Treasurer. Their resignation comes at the first anniversary of Norton’s election as Party leader.
The two were key office holders in the party structure and part of Team Norton in last December’s election at the Party’s 21st Biennial Congress. The slate was a first for the party. In the past persons independently ran for positions and the Leader worked with whomever the membership elected. These resignations not only exposed the weakness of the slate culture but also Norton’s inability to ensure the continuity of service for the term by those who were part of his slate, said a party stalwart. “The resignations are a major blow to Norton’s leadership,” the stalwart pointed out.
In letters seen by Village Voice the two thanked the members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), which included Norton, for their support and cooperation during their relatively short stint in the positions.
This is the first time in the party’s 65-year history it has been hit by simultaneous resignation of two principal officers. Norton, who was GS during the leadership of Desmond Hoyte, was fired after six months.
Responding to a question posed by a journalist about filling the vacancies, Norton said these will be filled by the end of the year or early next year. According to the party leader, he will initiate consultation in seeking to fill the position of GS.
Per the PNCR’s constitution, Rule “ 14 (2) (a) The Party Leader shall appoint the General Secretary from among the members of the Central Executive Committee, as provided for under Rule 17(1)(c)”
And on the matter of the Treasurer, per Rule “14 (2) (b) The Party Leader shall appoint, from among the members of the Central Executive Committee, the Treasurer.”
Kaieteur News yesterday said Mr. Mervin Williams and Ms. Dawn Hastings-Willliams are likely contenders for the GS position. Hastings-Williams is a member of the CEC, Williams is not.
