At the start of a sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Aubrey Norton and party stalwart Volda Lawrence were sworn in as the two newest opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), filling two vacancies that existed for several weeks.
The Oath was administered by Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs to Norton and Lawrence who previously served as MPs.
Norton is expected to also become the new Opposition Leader when Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir convenes a meeting of all Opposition MPs at the end of Wednesday’s sitting.
After the Oath was taken, Nadir offered congratulations and welcomed the duo back to the House.
“Honourable members, I would like on behalf of all of you to congratulate both members, Mr. Aubrey Norton and Ms. Volda Lawrence on them again becoming Members of the National Assembly… we extend best wishes and prayers to them in the performance of their duties,” Nadir said.
Last week, Norton declined to say what his priority actions will be as Opposition Leader but indicated that with his entrance and that of Lawrence into the National Assembly, there will be changes to the current portfolios held by current APNU+AFC Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs).
Lawrence is touted as someone with experience and competence in accounts and finance who will complement the team of Opposition MPs.
Norton and Lawrence are replacements for Nicolette Henry and Joseph Harmon, who both resigned from the National Assembly.
Harmon became Opposition Leader after the results of the 2020 elections were declared but resigned in February 2022 from the post under immense pressure to do so.
