Dear Editor,
I write as an unaligned citizen, with no allegiance to any political faction, but with a deep concern for the health of our democracy and the well-being of Afro-Guyanese communities. It is in this spirit that I feel compelled to comment on the current state of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) under the leadership of Aubrey Norton.
The PNCR has long been regarded as a central pillar representing the aspirations, struggles, and voice of many Afro-Guyanese. However, in recent years, there has been a growing sense of stagnation, disconnection, and ineffective leadership that cannot be ignored. Mr. Norton’s tenure has not inspired the confidence, unity, or strategic direction that supporters and the wider public had hoped for.
Leadership is not merely about holding a position; it is about mobilizing people, articulating a clear vision, and delivering tangible progress. Instead, what we have seen is internal division, missed opportunities for meaningful opposition, and a failure to robustly advocate for those who continue to feel marginalized. Many Afro-Guyanese citizens are left questioning whether their concerns are being forcefully and effectively represented.
Importantly, the strength of the PNCR has always resided in its membership. It is the ordinary members, supporters, and grassroots organizers who form the backbone of the party. They must now recognize their collective power and responsibility. If the current leadership is not meeting expectations, the membership has both the right and the duty to demand change. Silence or inaction will only deepen the party’s challenges.
The longer Mr. Norton remains at the helm without addressing these concerns, the greater the risk that the PNCR will decline into irrelevance, mirroring the trajectory of the Alliance For Change (AFC), which has struggled to maintain its political footing after a period of diminished public confidence. This is not an outcome that supporters of the PNCR should accept.
This is not a personal attack, but a call for accountability. Political leadership must always be subject to scrutiny, especially when it falls short of expectations. The PNCR, and by extension the communities it seeks to represent, deserve leadership that is dynamic, responsive, and capable of navigating the complexities of modern governance.
It is therefore my view that Mr. Norton should reflect seriously on his position. If he is unable to reinvigorate the party and restore public confidence, then he must consider stepping aside in the best interest of the PNCR and the people who depend on it. The future of the party cannot be anchored in inertia.
Guyana stands at a critical juncture. Strong, credible opposition is essential for democracy to function effectively. The PNCR must rise to that responsibility, whether under renewed leadership or a fundamentally transformed approach.