Dear Editor,
Mr. Aubrey Norton, the failed Leader of the PNCR and former Opposition Leader has once again embarrassed himself and continues to mislead the Guyanese public, many of whom have lost confidence in his leadership and ability to unite the opposition.
Appearing on KAMS TV on June 9, 2026, in what appeared to be yet another attempt to regain political relevance and rebuild dwindling support, Mr. Norton responded to a caller, Mr. Flash Gordon, regarding the departure of Dr. Nicolette Henry, former Minister and Member of Parliament.
In his response, Mr. Norton claimed that Dr. Henry resigned. What he conveniently failed to disclose, however, were the circumstances that led to her resignation.
Upon assuming leadership of the PNCR in 2022, Mr. Norton’s focus appeared to be on removing sitting Members of Parliament to create opportunities for himself and Ms. Volda Lawrence to enter Parliament. While Mr. Joseph Harmon voluntarily resigned following Mr. Norton’s ascension to the leadership, the situation involving Dr. Henry was markedly different.
Mr. Norton reportedly sent Dr. Henry a letter, purportedly on behalf of APNU, indicating that there was no confidence in her continued representation. Faced with such circumstances, Dr. Henry tendered her resignation. Mr. Norton cannot credibly dispute this fact, as the letter bearing his signature is available. More importantly, the decision was taken unilaterally by him and not through any properly constituted meeting of the APNU Council.
Dr. Henry effectively became the sacrificial lamb in a political purge orchestrated by Mr. Norton. To date, there has been no evidence that the APNU Council met and approved such a decision. In fact, since the initial meeting convened by former President David Granger, at which Mr. Norton was placed—not elected—as Chairman, he has failed to convene meetings to formally institutionalize and strengthen APNU.
This raises an important question: Who exactly constitutes APNU today?
Mr. Norton continues to parade himself as Chairman of APNU, yet there is little evidence that the coalition remains functional or active. Since the 2025 General and Regional Elections, the public deserves to know whether the smaller parties that contested under the APNU banner remain part of the coalition. How often do they meet? When was the last meeting held? These are legitimate questions that demand answers.
Notably, Mr. Sheik Yaseen, who contested as part of APNU in the 2025 General and Regional Elections and currently serves as a Regional Democratic Councillor in Region Four, is now aligned with the PPP/C. Such developments raise further concerns about the cohesion and future of the coalition under Mr. Norton’s stewardship.
Mr. Norton has consistently demonstrated a leadership style that many view as vindictive and destructive. Rather than strengthening the PNCR, he appears intent on sidelining capable individuals and marginalizing those perceived as potential rivals within the party.
The sooner the membership of the PNCR recognizes Mr. Norton for who he truly is, the better. The longer he remains at the helm, the greater the risk that the once vibrant and formidable PNCR will continue its decline into political irrelevance.
I have laid out the facts as I understand them. Mr. Norton is free to refute them if he can.
Yours truly
Denanfra Yansen
