分类： politics

Aubrey Norton, leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), has strongly criticized the United States military for conducting airstrikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea. Norton, a former Foreign Service Officer and Political Scientist, expressed his disapproval during a press conference on Friday, October 24, 2025. He argued that the US has the capability to apprehend suspected traffickers and bring them to trial rather than resorting to lethal force. Norton emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law both domestically and internationally, stating that the PNCR opposes drug trafficking but insists on legal measures to combat it. His remarks followed a statement by 11 former Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, who suggested that the Ship-Rider Agreement with the US should be utilized to pursue drug traffickers through legal channels. The US has conducted 10 airstrikes so far, resulting in 43 fatalities, including two Trinidad and Tobago nationals. While the Trinidad and Tobago government has supported US actions, Guyana has advocated for the Caribbean to remain a zone of peace, endorsing efforts to combat narco-trafficking while preserving sovereignty. The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford and additional military assets to the region has raised concerns about potential US intentions to influence regime change in Venezuela.

Dr. Terrence Campbell, the leader of A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) 12 parliamentarians, has been confirmed as a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). However, PNCR leader Aubrey Norton declined to specify when Dr. Campbell joined the party, stating that such details were irrelevant. Norton also dismissed claims that Dr. Campbell, a city businessman, was imposed on the party as a senior parliamentary figure despite being a newcomer compared to long-standing members. Norton emphasized that Dr. Campbell’s selection was based on his business acumen and commitment to the party’s cause, noting that he had been actively engaged with the PNCR for over two years. Norton further explained that the APNU parliamentary group comprises a balanced mix of six newcomers and six experienced individuals, a strategic decision aimed at fostering effective leadership. Dr. Campbell’s political journey includes his departure from A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and the civic group Reform, Inform, Sustain, Educate (RISE) in 2019, following calls to boycott his fast food business. He was also considered as a consensus presidential candidate by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and claimed to have been invited by Dr. Irfaan Ali to be his prime ministerial running mate in the 2020 elections, a claim Ali denied. Norton revealed that, except for Dr. David Hinds of the Working People’s Alliance, all other APNU parliamentarians are PNCR members. Reflecting on the recent general elections, Norton attributed APNU’s poor performance to alleged voter bribery by an unnamed political party. The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) secured 36 seats, while APNU won 12. Norton chose not to return to the National Assembly, opting instead to focus on his role as PNCR leader and prepare for the party’s upcoming internal elections.

In a recent press conference, Aubrey Norton, Chairman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), emphasized the necessity of maintaining donor confidentiality in election campaign finance reporting. Despite the Representation of the People Act mandating political parties to submit post-election financial reports to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Norton argued that such disclosures could deter potential donors who fear government retribution. He highlighted the need for campaign financing reforms that ensure donor anonymity, stating, ‘Many contributors explicitly do not want their identities publicized due to societal fears of government.’ Norton also questioned the historical adherence to these reporting requirements, suggesting that new laws should be developed with stakeholder involvement to guarantee confidentiality. He further criticized Guyana’s state-dominated economy, noting that the government is the primary allocator of resources, with limited private sector activity. The United States-based Carter Center has urged all political parties to comply with the Representation of the People Act, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Other international observer missions have echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the misuse of state resources during election campaigns.