Amanza and Broomes: Sexual assault, gun violence allegations against Norton must be seriously addressed

Amanza Walton- Desir, an Opposition Parliamentarian and member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), on Thursday said the allegations levelled against the party leader Aubrey Norton must be treated seriously.

Former Parliamentarian Simona Broomes has issued similar sentiments, but has gone further and called for Norton to step aside for an investigation to proceed.

PNCR stalwart Vanessa Kissoon on Wednesday said Norton once threatened to sexually assault and shoot her. Norton, who is also the Leader of the Opposition, denied the accusation and says it is part of efforts by one of his competitors to thwart his leadership campaign.

Norton is looking to retain the leadership of the PNCR when its congress is held next week.

Walton- Desir is one of Norton’s competitors for the top leadership spot. And she issued a statement on her Facebook page on the matter.

“It is with heavy heart that I have read the consecutive statements of Leader Aubrey Norton and Sister Vanessa Kissoon. While the statements speak for themselves it is necessary for me to speak out as a woman and as a leader in the party.

“The nature of the allegations cannot be ignored and we must address this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Walton- Desir said.

While advocating for a “fair process” and “necessary course of action” to unfold for both parties, the Parliamentarian castigated persons bashing Ms. Kissoon on social media. She emphasised that victim- blaming and victim- shaming must not prevail.

Walton- Desir wasn’t the only PNCR member who addressed the situation publicly.

Another PNCR member who was nominated for Norton’s position as party leader, Simona Broomes said “it cannot be business as usual.”

Broomes, in video broadcast live on her Facebook page, said an investigation is needed to unearth the truth. She, too, emphasised that Ms. Kissoon must not be pilloried because she chose to speak out on the threats she faced.

And until the investigation is completed, the well-known advocate for women’s rights said Mr. Norton should step aside.

“In the meantime, this is out there and it is not business as usual in the PNC,” Broomes said.