‘Resignations won’t sink us’ …PNCR brushes off internal storm

Sep 17, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News –Unfazed by the elections thrashing and the resignations of key figures of the party including its chairman, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Monday said it will weather the current storm as it has done in the past.

In a statement, the PNCR said it acknowledges the recent resignations of the Party Chairman, Cde. Shurwayne Holder, from his position as Chairman and member of the CEC, Cde. Mervyn Williams, as a CEC Member, as well as his departure as a member of the party.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the party takes these developments very seriously.

While it is indeed unfortunate, we respect the individuals’ right to make personal choices, and at this time, our party members are free to decide their path without restriction.”

However, the party said, notwithstanding the foregoing, the “PNCR remains a resilient and united party, steadfast in its commitment to its principles and the nation, even in this challenging period.”

The PNCR said it has a proud history spanning over 70 years, during which members came and left, yet the party’s core strength has only grown stronger. “This is not unfamiliar territory for us; political parties worldwide have faced similar moments of change and renewal. Our resilience is rooted in our unwavering dedication to our core values and our vision for a better Guyana,” the statement added.

“The PNCR remains the only political party capable of standing firm against the PPPC. We are confident that, together, we will weather this storm, rise stronger, and continue our mission to rescue and rebuild our nation.

We thank all supporters and members for their continued trust and commitment. The PNCR is here to stay, to serve, and to lead Guyana into a brighter future.

Long live the PNCR,” the statement ended.

Holder, a former Member of Parliament officially stepped down from his position on Monday. In an email addressed to PNCR leader Aubrey Norton, Holder wrote, “I hereby tender my resignation as Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform with immediate effect. I would like to thank you as Party Leader, the Central Executive Committee, and the membership of the Party for the confidence reposed in me over the years. I wish you and the Party well in your efforts to rebuild and revitalise.”

When contacted by Kaieteur News for comment, Holder declined to go into detail about his reasons for resigning. He stated only that he has no political plans at the moment and intends to focus on his family and personal development. Holder previously served as a PNCR Member of Parliament from 2020 and played a central role in the APNU+AFC campaign, particularly on the Essequibo Coast and across Region Two, where he also served as the lead party representative. However, he was not chosen as one of 12 candidates selected to serve in the 13th Parliament, a decision that appears to have triggered discontent within the party.

Also, on Monday another member of the PNCR, Robert Maison confirmed his resignation. Maison, who has been involved with the party since the era of former leader Desmond Hoyte, currently serves as a Councillor for Constituency Seven (Stabroek-Bourda) at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council and is an executive of the PNCR Georgetown District. Despite resigning from the PNCR, Maison said he will continue in his council role until the end of his term.

Maison, speaking with Kaieteur News on Monday, noted that he followed party protocol in submitting his resignation to Norton, stating, “Based on the structure of the party that I have been a part of since 1997, I resigned accordingly.” He also revealed that his resignation was in protest of how Holder was treated, describing it as “disrespectful” that he (Holder) was excluded from the list of parliamentary candidates.

Maison further expressed frustration over the internal decision-making process, claiming that his name was removed from the PNCR’s national top-up list by Carol Smith Joseph, with Norton’s knowledge. Instead, he was placed only on a regional list, a move he felt undermined his contributions to the party.

These resignations come shortly after another high-profile departure, that of Williams, a longstanding executive member of the PNCR. Williams announced his resignation during his weekly Nation Watch programme in an interview with newly appointed MP Terrence Campbell. His exit from both the party and its Central Executive Committee reportedly caught leadership and members by surprise.

Despite the wave of resignations and growing discontent within the party ranks, PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton has remained silent. Multiple attempts by Kaieteur News to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.

The departures follow the PNCR-led coalition’s recent announcement of the 12 members who will represent the party in the 13th Parliament over the next five years. Notably, Norton will not be returning to Parliament but will remain as party leader. The parliamentary team will be led by Dr. Campbell and includes returning MPs Coretta McDonald, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Nima Natasha Flue-Bess. Several newcomers will also join the ranks, including political commentator Dr. David Hinds, Riaz Zakeer Rupnarain, Sherod Avery Duncan, Linden Mayor Sharma Raheem Solomon, attorney and peace ambassador Dr. Dexter Todd, gospel artiste and entrepreneur Saiku Andrews, and PNCR Vice-Chairman Vinceroy H. Jordan, who represents Region Five.

This announcement comes on the heels of the PNCR and its coalition APNU’s disappointing performance in the September 1 elections. The newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, secured 16 parliamentary seats, pushing APNU to third place. The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by President Irfaan Ali, won 36 seats, securing Ali a second term in office. As Norton continues to grapple with the fallout from the party’s electoral defeat, he now faces the unexpected resignation of one of the PNCR’s most longstanding members.

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• Mervyn Williams, PNCR, resignations, Shurwayne Holder

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