By Mark DaCosta-The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Guyana’s main opposition party, is facing internal turmoil following the resignation of two senior female members — Amna Ally and Vanessa Kissoon. Ally, a long-standing stalwart of the party, announced her resignation, citing what she described as a pattern of disregard for women within the PNCR. Her departure follows closely on the heels of Kissoon’s resignation, raising serious concerns about the party’s direction under the leadership of Aubrey Norton.
Ally’s decision to part ways with the PNCR may mark the end of a political career spanning several decades. In her resignation letter addressed to Aubrey Norton, the party’s leader, she expressed disappointment at what she saw as a continued lack of respect for women in the party’s ranks. She pointed to a particular incident where prominent female members, including Vanessa Kissoon, Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon, and veteran party member Cheryl Sampson, were subjected to public humiliation during an event organised by the National Congress of Women (NCW) at Congress Place. Ally described this incident as “shameful” and “disgraceful” and accused those closely associated with Norton of attempting to destabilise the forum.
Ally did not hold back in her criticism of the current leadership, stating that senior women within the party had expressed their disgust both privately and publicly. She called for Norton and his entire executive team to resign, arguing that they had brought shame to the party. “It hurts, but I cannot continue to support such a party under the current leadership of Aubrey Compton Norton and his entire Executive,” she wrote. “They should hang their heads in shame and resign.”
Her resignation is a significant blow to the PNCR, as Ally has been one of the most experienced and loyal members of the party for decades.
Ally’s political career is marked by dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to public service. Before entering politics, she was a trained educator and served as the headmistress of Redeemer Primary School from 1998 until her retirement in 2010.
Her contribution to politics began in the early 1980s when she joined the PNCR. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Secretary of the party’s youth movement. Over the years, she assumed several key positions, including Assistant General Secretary and Director of the Party Organisation and Mobilisation Department.
Her dedication and hard work saw her being elevated to the National Assembly in 1985, marking the start of a long and distinguished parliamentary career. Throughout her tenure, she served in various parliamentary roles, including as Government Chief Whip.
In 2015, when the APNU+AFC coalition won the general elections, Ally was appointed Minister of Social Cohesion under President David Granger’s administration. In 2017, she was appointed as the General Secretary of the PNCR, succeeding the long-serving Oscar Clarke. This position placed her at the heart of the party’s internal organisation and decision-making processes.
As Minister of Social Protection, she advocated for women’s rights, the elderly, and vulnerable groups. In 2018, she received the International Leadership Award for her work in human rights and women’s empowerment. She also oversaw the expansion of social programmes, including upgrades to the Palms Geriatric Home, ensuring better care for senior citizens.
Her tenure as General Secretary ended in 2021, but she remained a key figure in the party, lending her experience and voice to important national issues.
Ally’s resignation comes just days after another influential woman in the party, Vanessa Kissoon, also stepped away. Kissoon, a former Member of Parliament and a well-respected advocate for Linden, cited personal reasons for her resignation. However, her decision followed a hostile reception she received at the PNCR’s Congress Place headquarters — her first return since accusing Norton of sexual harassment in 2024. Norton denied the allegations.
Kissoon’s resignation, combined with Ally’s departure, signals a troubling trend within the PNCR — respected and long-standing female members are walking away.
With two prominent female figures leaving in quick succession, many within the PNCR and the wider public have taken to social media questioning Norton’s leadership. Since taking the helm of the party in December 2021, Norton has faced multiple internal challenges. While he secured overwhelming support during the 2024 nominations for party leader, criticisms about his leadership style persist.
Many believe Norton’s approach has alienated key members, leading to increasing divisions. Ally’s departure, in particular, will certainly send shockwaves through the party, as she was a pillar of stability and a strong advocate for unity. Her resignation letter suggests a deepening crisis within the PNCR, as she openly declared that the party – under Norton’s leadership – no longer aligns with the values she holds dear.
The back-to-back resignations of Ally and Kissoon indicate that the PNCR is at a crossroads. The loss of such experienced and influential women raises critical questions about the party’s future direction. Ally’s call for Norton’s resignation echoes growing concerns within the party that urgent changes are needed to prevent further fragmentation.
The PNCR has long been a cornerstone of Guyanese politics, but its internal struggles could weaken its ability to effectively challenge the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. Moreover, the concerns about the treatment of women within the party may impact its ability to attract and retain female leaders and supporters.
According to observers, if Norton and his executive do not address these pressing issues, the PNCR risks further decline. Many traditional PNCR supporters are openly speculating that the leader is doing more harm than good, and calls for him to step aside are growing louder.
