Dear Editor,
The recent defections from APNU continue to expose the deepening crisis within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). What is unfolding before the eyes of the nation is not accidental, but rather the direct consequence of failed leadership, poor governance, victimization, and growing dissatisfaction among members and supporters of the party.
The time has come for the entire leadership of the PNCR, from Leader Aubrey Norton straight through to his Executive, to resign honorably and immediately call Congress so that party members can democratically elect a new leadership capable of restoring confidence, unity, and direction within the party.
Mr. Norton has arguably become the worst leader in the history of the PNCR. History will remind us of the manner in which he treated former leaders of the party, including the late Hugh Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin, and former President David Granger. Ironically, many of the very criticisms he leveled against those leaders have now become characteristics of his own leadership style, only worse.
Since assuming office as Leader of the PNCR, Mr. Norton has willfully alienated many longstanding and committed party members whom he perceives as threats, while surrounding himself with handpicked individuals who, in many cases, lack a proven track record within the party. The hypocrisy is astounding. The very conduct he once condemned has now intensified under his leadership, bringing the image and reputation of the PNCR into disrepute.
Today, the party is in a state of crisis, and responsibility for this must rest squarely at the feet of Mr. Norton and his Executive. Many individuals who once strongly supported Mr. Norton’s bid for leadership and for the position of Leader of the Opposition have now defected to the PPP/C. That reality alone should force serious introspection.
Equally troubling is the absence of internal democracy and accountability within the party. The PNCR has not convened a General Council meeting for close to a year, leaving ordinary members uninformed about the party’s decisions and direction. Transparency and consultation have become casualties under the present leadership.
Furthermore, several senior party officials have resigned over recent months, including former Treasurer Mr. Elson Lowe and former Party Chairman Mr. Shurwayne Holder. This raises serious questions regarding the management and accountability of the party’s finances and operations. Who is now responsible for the financial affairs of the PNCR? Many believe the answer lies with the Leader himself.
Across the country, party members are disgruntled, dissatisfied, and deeply concerned about the direction in which the PNCR is heading. There is a growing consensus among the membership that Congress must be convened urgently and that members must be given the opportunity to elect leaders of their choice without manipulation or interference from Mr. Norton and his enablers at Congress Place.
Political history across the Caribbean has shown that responsible leaders understand when it is time to step aside following poor electoral performances and growing dissatisfaction within their parties. In Saint Lucia, former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet tendered his resignation as Political Leader of the United Workers Party following consecutive crushing electoral defeats. Likewise, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, longtime Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party were decisively rejected by the electorate after years in office, ushering in a new political era.
These examples demonstrate an important democratic principle: political parties cannot survive when leaders place personal ambition above the survival and renewal of the organization. Why then does Mr. Norton believe he can continue to strangle the PNCR by refusing to do the honorable thing, resign and call Congress?
The faithful members who have remained loyal to the party must now seek to salvage what is left of the legacy built by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, a party founded on strong organizational structures, vibrant youth and women’s arms, and genuine grassroots representation.
The membership must awaken, stand up, and demand accountability. The future of the PNCR depends on it.
It is time for Mr. Norton and his Executive to resign.
Yours truly,
Lovern Ross
