‘A leopard can’t change its spots’ – Norton says as he rehashes APNU’s promises at Bagotsville

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton on Saturday night urged his supporters to accept assistance from any political source — “whether they are government or leopard” — referring to both the incumbent PPP/C and businessman Azruddin Mohamed’s emerging WIN party, while rehashing key elements of APNU’s promises.

In a sparsely attended public meeting at Bagotsville, Norton said the APNU+AFC coalition is focused on delivering real solutions for the country, not handouts and theatrics.

“Take what they have to offer… that is your money,” he declared.

“But don’t let it blind you to the fact that we need change. A leopard can’t change its spots.”

Norton outlined a promise to establish dialysis centres across the country, a policy he claimed was “copied” by others after he first proposed it during a previous public address.

“We will ensure that people suffering from kidney problems, especially children, are not left to die simply because they can’t afford treatment,” he said.

Norton criticised the current healthcare system, saying it is overly focused on infrastructure rather than service.

“A hospital is not a building… it is the care you get inside,” Norton remarked.

He pledged that under an APNU government, healthcare would be centred on prevention and education and managed by qualified professionals.

On education, Norton promised smaller class sizes, more teacher training, and better pay to keep educators in the profession. “We will rewrite the education system,” he said.

He also proposed a national literacy campaign to bridge the digital divide, pointing out that “you cannot digitalise a population that is largely illiterate.”

Norton committed to expanding sports infrastructure, criticising the government for converting school playgrounds into construction sites.

“We will transform sport in this country. Sport is a national ambassador,” he said. He also proposed government sponsorship for athletes representing Guyana abroad and a revival of school sports on a national level.

On social services, Norton pledged to establish early childhood centres in every community.

Despite strong rhetoric against alleged corruption, Norton avoided direct criticism of the government in his call for peaceful political change.

“We are not here to oppose development — we want a modern Guyana — but it must be one that benefits all the people, not just a few.”

In a direct appeal to unity, Norton said all ethnic groups deserve an equal share of the nation’s resources. “We promise to govern without prejudice,” he said, accusing the current administration of perpetuating ethnic division to maintain political control.

He also raised concerns about abuses within the Guyana Police Force and promised reform: “We will bring back justice. Under us, the police will not raid communities and arrest people without cause.”

He concluded his address by reaffirming a promise for accountable, people-centred governance.