Norton says unbothered as no heavyweight has left PNCR

Jul 05, 2025 News

…says Figueira was ‘the occupier of a seat’

Norton says unbothered as no heavyweight has left PNCR

Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton.

Kaieteur News – Despite the recent departure of several members of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), party leader Aubrey Norton says he remains unbothered, insisting that no “heavyweight” has exited the party.

At a PNCR press conference on Friday, Norton dismissed concerns about the exit of Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) Jermaine Figueira, Amanza Walton-Desir, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Natasha Singh-Lewis, and current Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram, among others.

“In the first place, none of them are heavy weights. Heavyweights are determined by our party based on one, the work you do, and not solely the position you hold,” Norton said.

Jermaine Figueira

Figueira, who recently announced his departure from the PNCR, was the party’s representative for Region 10, its traditional stronghold and he previously served as the shadow minister for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. However, Norton said that Figueira had long been inactive both within the party and in the Linden community.

Norton noted that while Figueira held the shadow portfolio, several issues in the ministry went unaddressed. He said since assigning the post to Nima Flue-Bess, there has been more progress.

“I invite you to go through the performance of Figueira and see what it suggests to you, that he was a heavyweight performing incredibly for the APNU. In fact, youth, sport and culture only became a focus after I removed Figueira and placed Nima Flue-Bess and she is a heavyweight, in my opinion, Figueira was the occupier of a seat, not a heavyweight,” said Norton.

Further, the PNCR leader said the former MP failed to deliver on his responsibilities, disqualifying him from “heavyweight” status. Norton explained that among those who resigned, only Figueira held an executive position.

Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram

Yet, even in that capacity, Norton said Figueira had been largely absent from both party activities like the central executive meetings and on the ground work.

“A heavy weight gets into the community. Relate to people, do what has to be done. There are many other things, but I don’t want to get into them. But to say to you, so far, none of the persons who would have departed have can carry with them the support from the APNU,” Norton stated.

“When it comes to the likes of Jermaine Figueira, the truth must be told, he has not been a leading person in Region 10,” Norton told reporters.

When asked whether Figueira’s departure could impact the PNCR’s support base, Norton dismissed the suggestion. He stated, “I do not believe him leaving will cause the party to lose votes, and a lot of the charitable work you’re talking about wasn’t done on behalf of the PNC.”

Amanza Walton-Desir

As for Walton-Desir, who has since formed a new political party, Forward Guyana, Norton said she has potential but lacks political experience. “She’s made her choice, and it’s within her right,” he stated.

Regarding Region Four Chairman Seeram, Norton said, “Daniel Seeram has never worked in the interest of the People’s National Congress Reform. Unfortunately, there is no recall legislation at the level of the RDC [Regional Democratic Council], so he could not have been removed. But were there recall legislation Daniel Seeram would not have lasted a year because he was not doing anything in the interest of the People’s National Congress Reform.”

Geeta Chandan-Edmond

On Singh-Lewis, Norton shared, “Natasha Singh Lewis said in real terms that she could not work with me as leader, because her friend Amna Ally said if she worked with me, the friendship is over. She opted for the friendship. I can’t do anything about that.”

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Amanza Walton-Desir, Aubrey Norton, Geeta Chandan Edmond, Jermaine Figueira, Natasha Singh-Lewis, PNCR

Latest News