PNC/R heavyweight Amna Ally resigns days after Vanessa Kissoon; calls for resignation of Norton and his executive team

Amna Ally, a political heavyweight in the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), has tendered her resignation from the party. In her resignation letter addressed to Aubrey Norton, the party leader, Ally expressed deep regret and cited what she described as a “continuous disregard for women” within its ranks.

Ally confirmed her resignation in a telephone call with the News Room Sunday night. Her departure comes days after long-time member Vanessa Kissoon resigned from the party, citing personal reasons.

Ally also called for the resignation of Norton and his executive team to salvage the party’s future.

In her letter, Ally outlined her concerns about the party’s treatment of women. “The continuous disregard for women, who are the backbone of this great party, has been overwhelming,” she wrote.

Ally also recalled a “curse out” and “shameful act” directed at prominent female party members, including Kissoon, Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon, and elder Cheryl Sampson. This event reportedly took place in the presence of the Party’s General Secretary during a forum organized by the National Congress of Women (NCW) at Congress Place.

“The disgraceful conduct of women and men closely associated with Party Leader Aubrey Norton,” Ally continued, “brought shame and disgrace to the Party.” She also noted that this behaviour went unchallenged despite occurring within a forum intended to improve the service and involvement of women in the party. Ally suggested that the aim of the disruption was to destabilise the event.

The former General Secretary expressed her dismay at the actions of the current leadership, stating that senior women in the party had privately and publicly voiced their disgust. “It hurts, but I cannot continue to support such a party under the current leadership of Aubrey Compton Norton and his entire Executive,” she said. “They should hang their heads in shame and resign.”

Ally reiterated her belief that the PNCR, under Norton’s leadership, no longer represents the values she holds dear, particularly regarding the role of women in the party. “I cannot support a party which disrespects the role played by women who have always been the backbone of the PNCR,” she declared.

“Let the drums roll,” Ally concluded in her letter.