Dear Editor,
Guyana! Indulge me a bit. Now I am about to write about some people that I have never met in real life, never had a conversation with, and have only read about or observed from afar. But in typical Guyanese fashion, I gon talk like I know de people cuz in the words of a great family friend, “When you speak, speak authoritatively!”
Guyana stands at the crossroads of history once again. With our immense natural wealth, rich cultural tapestry, and rising geopolitical significance in the Caribbean and South America, the question is not whether the country can succeed, but whether it will have the right leadership to guide it there. That leader, in this pivotal moment, in my humble opinion, is none other than Aubrey C. Norton. Now, like many Guyanese, I am disappointed that the PNCR and AFC could not reach an agreement to keep the current APNU+AFC coalition intact, and while I have many thoughts on that subject, that is not what I write about today. I write to make the case of “Why an Aubrey Norton Presidency Is Not Just Necessary, It’s Non-Negotiable!”
Mr. Norton is not merely a politician, he is a political institution in himself. As the current Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Opposition, his rise from the Youth Socialist Movement to national prominence mirrors the journey of Guyana itself: unyielding, strategic, and purpose-driven.
Norton’s academic pedigree is matched only by his decades-long immersion in Guyanese public life. He has served as General Secretary of the PNCR, Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, a member of Parliament for nearly a decade, a lecturer in Political Science at the University of Guyana, and even a Foreign Service officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is a man who has lived and breathed the Guyanese political struggle at every level.
But what sets Norton apart for me is more than experience; it is his embodiment of the Burnham legacy. Now I know Forbes is touchy for a lot of people, so hear me out. Mr. Burnham, Guyana’s first Executive President, led the country through its formative years post-independence. He was a bold, often misunderstood strategist who played the long game for Guyana’s sovereignty and development. Like Burnham, Norton is not interested in political niceties; he is interested in results. He has shown that he is not afraid to make difficult decisions or take unpopular stances if it means safeguarding Guyana’s democracy, territorial integrity, and people’s prosperity.
Consider the current context. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President and shadow leader of the PPP, has demonstrated a troubling pattern of shifting positions, particularly regarding the use of biometric verification in elections. When in opposition, the PPP was vocal about the need for biometrics to enhance electoral transparency. But now, in government, Jagdeo has reversed course, raising questions about intent and integrity. His argument? That biometrics may disenfranchise voters.
But the facts tell another story. According to respected businessman and former MP Stanley Ming, a 2020 review of the Official List of Electors (OLE) revealed alarming irregularities. Guyana’s voter list stood at over 660,000 in a country with fewer than 750,000 residents, an implausible figure when migration trends, especially among Indo-Guyanese (the PPP’s core base), are accounted for. In any truly free and fair election, especially one using biometrics, the current ruling party’s dominance would be at serious risk. That is the real fear, not disenfranchisement, but exposure.
This is precisely why Guyana needs a leader who will not only insist on electoral reform but also has the political fortitude to see it through. Aubrey Norton is that leader. While others may bring polish, charisma, or international networks, Norton brings something far more essential: unteachable political instinct, historical depth, and an iron-clad will.
This is not to diminish other capable figures who are either in the public eye or under consideration. A few noticeable mentions, Nigel Hughes, with his legal acumen, would elevate institutional governance. Amanza Walton-Desir would bring a breath of fresh air to political discourse and inspire a new generation. Terrence Campbell’s business sense and global outlook could boost foreign investment and diplomacy. Any of these figures could serve Guyana well.
But now is not a time for symbolic leadership. It is a time for a fighter. A tactician. A man who knows where the cracks are in the system and how to fix them. Norton’s political education under the Burnham era wasn’t just theoretical—it was strategic. His instincts are sharp, his vision long-term, and his commitment to national sovereignty unwavering. Like Burnham, Norton may not always be understood in the moment, but history will vindicate him.
To the critics who say he is too harsh, too unpolished, or too firm—I say this: nations are not built on likability. They are built on leadership. Norton is not running to be liked; he is running to lead.
A Call to the People of Guyana
As Guyanese prepare to head to the polls in the upcoming elections, the choice before us is clear. We can either continue on the path of political doublespeak, voter list controversies, and governance that caters to narrow interests, or we can elect a leader who has consistently stood for fairness, transparency, and national unity.
This is a pivotal election. It is a chance to reset the course of the nation and secure a future where every Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity, region, or class, feels represented, protected, and empowered.
Now is the time for action. Now is the time for vision. Now is the time for Aubrey C. Norton.
Support his candidacy. Campaign for his cause. And when the day comes, vote not just with your heart, but with your head, for the future of Guyana depends on it.
Yours truly,
Daison Marks
