PNCR leader Aubrey Norton on Friday dismissed concerns that Jermaine Figueira was sidelined, claiming instead that the former party member was incompetent.
Figueira, a well-known member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) who has been seen as a key party figure in Linden, resigned from the party last weekend.
Figueira is among several prominent PNCR members who departed the party recently. At a party press conference on Friday, however, Norton said those resignations are not likely to negatively impact the party ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
‘I could not stay silent’ – Figueira blasts PNCR’s ethnic division, leadership decay
Facing several questions from reporters, Norton zeroed in on Mr. Figueira’s perceived performance in the party. According to the PNCR leader, Figueira had been performing less than expected in Region 10, particularly ahead of the last Local Government Elections. He also expressed dissatisfaction at Figueria’s performance in his role as the shadow Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, and as such, sought to justify his (Figueria’s) removal from that spot.
“We don’t consider him a heavyweight because the work that was required as a party in Region 10 wasn’t being done,” Norton said.
He later added, “It had to do with competence or lack of it, not anything to do with (being) sidelined.”
Norton and the PNCR have, however, been faced with numerous resignations and public disapprovals of the current leadership style.
Several people have spoken out about being sidelined in the party despite their efforts and commitment.
At the heart of Figueira’s resignation is what he described as the party’s “troubling tolerance for rising ethnic antagonism”. Once a platform for inclusive nationalism, the PNCR, he argued, now flirts with divisive rhetoric.
Figueira also painted a grim picture of internal dysfunction, saying the PNCR’s culture has deteriorated into “sycophancy and vindictiveness”, with loyal members pushed aside in favour of political insiders.
Still, Norton believes that the party is strong and would not lose support due to the exodus of members.
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