Amna Ally quits PNCR after 50 years of service, strongly criticises Norton’s leadership

Former PNCR General Secretary and government minister in the APNU+AFC Coalition, Amna Ally, has resigned from the party with immediate effect after more than 50 years of dedicated service.

In a statement, Ally expressed deep regret over her resignation from the PNCR, a party to which she had been committed for over 54 years.

“The continuous disregard for women, who are the backbone of this great party, has been overwhelming,” she stated.

She recalled past incidents of mistreatment within the party, highlighting the “curse out” and shameful treatment of prominent women such as Vanessa Kissoon, a former Member of Parliament; Cheryl Sampson, a respected elder of the PNC; and Sharma Solomon, the Mayor of Linden.

These incidents, she noted, occurred in the presence of the party’s General Secretary during an organised forum of the National Congress of Women (NCW) at Congress Place.

“This disgraceful conduct, perpetrated by individuals closely associated with Party Leader Aubrey Norton, including a sitting Member of Parliament, has brought shame and disgrace to the party,” Ally asserted.

Vanessa Kissoon tendered her resignation more than a week ago.

Ally emphasised that this “lewd behaviour” took place without any rebuke, even as the NCW forum aimed to enhance the quality of service provided by women in the party.

“It is clear that the purpose of this thug-like behaviour was to disrupt and break up the forum,” she stated, adding that many senior female functionaries had publicly and privately expressed their disgust at the party’s decline under Norton’s leadership.

“It hurts, but I cannot continue to support such a party under the current leadership of Aubrey Compton Norton and his entire Executive. They should hang their heads in shame and resign,” she declared.

Ally further stated that she could no longer support a party that disrespects the role of women, who have historically been the backbone of the PNCR.

She called upon Norton and his inner circle within the Central Executive to step down and allow the party to recover.

“However, since that group now operates as if they own the party—founded and excellently led by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham—I have no hesitation, despite deep hurt and regret, in tendering my resignation. I also call on all right-thinking women in the party to stand up to this new tyrant. Leadership must be provided by true leaders, not rascals, bullies, and undisciplined individuals,” she concluded.