PNCR ‘elders’ to probe sexual assault, gun threats against Norton

Elders of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) will investigate the allegations levelled against the party leader Aubrey Norton at the behest of the women’s arm of the party.

Volda Lawrence, a member of the PNCR’s women’s arm, said the allegations of sexual assault and gun threats raised by party stalwart Vanessa Kissoon are being treated seriously but since Kissoon is party of the women’s arm, the matter has been referred to the elders.

“I think this sends a strong message to women in the party and supporters that we, the women in the women’s arm, are willing to act on any allegations,” Lawrence said at a PNCR press conference on Friday afternoon.

Kissoon had said that Norton, who is also the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton once threatened to sexually assault and shoot her.

Mr Norton has 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 PNC when its congress is held next week.

Meanwhile, party elder Hamilton Green, who joined Lawrence and other PNCR members at the press conference, promised that a swift and impartial investigation will be done to bring any wrongdoer to justice.

He also suggested that party resources may be needed to mobilise a polygraph test, which is better known as a lie-detector test.

Green, however, said the timing of the accusations raise concerns about persons’ ulterior motives.

“We need to be very careful; the timing of this matter is of some significance and one ought to ensure that we do not get into anything that will destabilise the party,” Green said.