Norton walks on thin ice, could be the end

Nov 30, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

I would not like to be in Norton’s position. I am speaking from the standpoint of him receiving such negative reviews coming from within his own party, then, it begs the question, “Are we seeing the end of Norton?”

With such mounting pressure from within his own fold, he is in a pretty bad shape to say the least, although he persists, hoping somehow, somewhere to reach the nirvana place of leadership which sadly eludes him.

But let us do a brief check into his past and one would have thought that this guy was the new rising star to lead the party to victory and maybe respectability. I am talking about him being born into a PNC Family and coming up through the ranks of The Young Socialist Movement, educated at our premier institution, and the whole nine yards, Norton was destined for greatness. Further to his accolades, he is a prototype of Burnham, “The Kabaka, so what hinders him from being great.” This is the burning question that haunts him and the wider Guyanese Public?

In real terms nobody wanted him in leadership, Burnham, his mentor and demigod, never kept him close by, neither did Hoyte, in Corbin’s case, he banished him into the wilderness, so whither would Norton go, that is the question? In Granger’s scheme of things Norton was again met with a brick wall, when he was rebuffed at every turn. After Granger’s demise at the polls, the name Norton resurfaced, this time with strength, because there was nowhere else to turn to. But wait, at his election all the big wigs suddenly resigned their positions, thereby showing great disdain for his leadership. So, the PNC was left as it were with the dregs of the party. Ever since Norton’s accession to leadership was the testing point of his leadership style and demeanor. He ruled with an iron hand, just as his elders had predicted, he got rid of many stalwarts who have stood with the party and brought in other undesirables, or people he can control. Others defected on their own accord. Norton’s autocratic, heavy-handed approach to leadership would see a further erosion of fortunes for him as well as his party.

What Norton failed to realize is that tenement yard politics would not help him, rather, it hurts him, because here his people see him as a brawler who would resort to the gutter when it suits his fancies. Such a lowdown political posture in an enlightened modern society will not work!

He keeps postponing his own party’s congress for fear of what might happen to him. As long as the election is free and fair Norton will be toast. Norman Browne is not letting up in his campaign either. On the local scene, his party elders are just waiting patiently for him to fall. So, with such mounting pressure from within, Norton is in a sorry state. Not forgetting there will be further defections before or after the party congress. I predict two top knobs will cross the floor and take their places in the fold of the ruling party. The sooner they do so will certainly be the better. We can euphemistically classify those moves as “inclusive governance,” and when it happens it would all be Norton’s fault. Guyana needs a good conscientious objector opposition with a robust support base whenever necessary. So, are we about to see the end of Norton? And the answer is, absolutely!

Respectfully submitted,

Neil Adams

Neil Adams, Norton, PNC Family, question, The Young Socialist Movement

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