Norton was elected for a specific term, which has expired

Apr 19, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

I am acquainted with a view held by a substantial, though not majoritarian, section of PNC/R members and supporters which claims that the current occupant of the highest office in the party holds his position by some amorphous right and that a constitutionally supported challenge is a betrayal and violation requiring opposition, condemnation and vilification. I should not think it is necessary to remind anyone in this age that the argument between proponents of the divine right to rule and leadership by consent has been settled centuries ago, at least in this hemisphere. It is the norm, now, that leaders are chosen by popular acclaim for a specific time, and mandate, in regular elections and must subject themselves to recall or reappointment.

Even the great Kublai Khan, the Mongolian khan of khans, at the height of his power and world domination had, in the Netflix series – Marco Polo, to accept, and participate in, a “kurultai”, or Mongol assembly, to determine if he should continue to lead the Mongols in furtherance of his vision to create the greatest empire the world has seen. Continuation in office is not automatic nor is it a right. Recent political history in Guyana and the USA has also demonstrated that being a spouse, offspring or otherwise related or affiliated to a former leader, whether one’s name is Jagan, Clinton, Bush or Kennedy, does not confirm automatic party, or national, leadership. Also in the USA, many Americans, including members and supporters of his own party, have expressed disapproval of the sitting President, Joe Biden, seeking re-election in spite of his many achievements and proven ability to defeat his expected rival for the presidency.

According to US General Douglas MacArthur, a true leader “does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent”. Another brilliant US General, John J. Pershing bluntly asserted that “a competent leader can get efficient service from poor troops, while on the contrary, an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops”.

Mr. Norton was elected for a specific term, which has expired, and he should, if he chooses, seek re-election and not attempt to extend his term by artful means. Any undue delay and subterfuge can only serve to sabotage, and make more challenging, the party’s campaign to regain office in 2025. A confident, competent and truly popular leader would relish, and not shun, the opportunity to defend his stewardship, vision and plans for the advancement and empowerment of us all. Any failure to accept, and all attempts to undermine, lawful challenges and honest debate, is dishonourable, disqualifying and not in the best interests of the party and society at large.

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