IF arrogance and haughtiness were a person, it would definitely be Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton. In fact, Norton has a distinct false sense of consciousness when it comes to fair elections in this country.
More so, Norton’s absurdity is found not only in his verbiage, which is sometimes complex for no reason at all, but in how he takes political bets. His styling and thirst for selfish and narcissistic political power will prevent the PNC/APNU from having a real chance at becoming the next government, even if it is blessed with a surprising, broad coalition at the 11th hour.
On Friday, Norton held a press conference in which he went off the rails about the PPP/C government, and perceived corruption that was taking place. He set the record straight about his party’s position on coalition talks and negotiations, the upcoming elections and defections by prominent persons in leadership positions in the PNCR/APNU grouping to the PPP/C.
In offering the media corps an explanation, the opposition leader sought to pour cold water over the most recent departures from within the bosom of the party. He said that they would not affect his party, downplaying the impact of their collective endorsements.
At one point, he even said that they were not active under his leadership and did no work for the party. Norton denied any suggestion that the party was haemorrhaging.
“Now, the PNC disintegrating, that’s laughable…But I don’t believe any of them can pull three votes…,” he said at the press conference.
Norton then quickly reminded of politicians Odinga Lumumba, Joseph Hamilton, and others who had crossed the floor, stating that his party is still standing, before changing the attention from the PNC’s status quo to the PPP/C.
He claimed that regardless, since he became leader, the PNC and APNU have witnessed an increase in numbers and party activism was alive.
He said that the youth numbers had grown and the party base remained solid. In other words, Norton is not worried about endorsements and politicians leaving.
Firstly, Norton is becoming very predictable. Instead of acknowledging that there is a leadership rift in the PNCR, he bluffs the media with his highly political answers which offer a healthy dose of nothingness.
Norton prefers to be seen as a politician who thinks he knows which way the wind is blowing, as opposed to a politician who is honestly surprised by the developments, but will work to correct the situation or things that made the other politicians and MPs leave his party and coalition.
It is both arrogant and haughty of Norton to be so dismissive of the contributions made by these individuals to the PNC and APNU throughout the years. It is shameful too that the opposition leader is not ‘man’ enough to admit that there is something wrong with the road that the party is heading down, or admit wrong. He acted like those politicians were just collateral damage and they were not committed to the upliftment of the party.
Norton displayed what the late Amna Ally spoke about — disrespect to his former party comrades. Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin and David Granger would not have done so. They would not criticise the performance of a sitting MP or opposition politician in the manner that he has at the press conference, and is encouraging other PNCR members to do, allegedly privately.
This is not someone who can unite the party. In Norton’s world, his leadership style is the best. He is fine. Everyone who complains, deflects and protests his policies is the problem.
It is now clear that Norton cannot see the PNCR is a microcosm of what it used to be. All the party greats and elders are now sitting on the sidelines and watching their party slowly go into the dark. Infighting, factionalism, and policy differences are the order of the day within the PNCR, with no amicable resolution in sight.
Perhaps, his obsession with being a presidential candidate in the elections is blinding his good judgement and keen political acumen. Hopefully, he will soon see the symptoms of a party that can’t breathe. The PNCR will never progress and play it fair unless another leader takes grip of the sinking ship.
Norton should know that pride goes before a fall. He must never forget his tumultuous political upbringing which won him the hearts of PNC members and supporters. After September 1 and the PPP/C’s handsome victory, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen to Norton and the PNCR. Can you guess?