PNC needs a better economic plan – Aubrey Norton
By Latoya Giles, July 25, 2014, By KNews, Filed Under News, Source - Kaieteur News
Former People’s National Congress General Secretary, Aubrey Norton thinks that the most critical issue to deal with if he is to become leader of the party is training. Norton in an interview with Kaieteur News said, that any political party hoping to survive the future has to be able to adapt to the present time.
He said that one has to do a lot of democratic training with this generation so that they would be able to replace the existing leadership and “put it in good hands”.
Norton stressed that the party needs a “proper” economic investment plan.
“The party needs to take its assets and get involved in sound and proper investment that would bring returns to the party, so that it becomes economically independent and viable.”
Norton further explained that the party cannot be economically independent right now, since many parties depend on donations. He said this new feature will be an objective, if he is to become leader.
“When you are in government it’s easy to get money…but when you’re not, the problem comes”.
Another area which he intends to develop is social welfare and the solution of social problems.
He emphasised that previously the PNC had focused on politics, but he would try to diversify this to include “Political, Social and Economic”.
He opined that the party should be involved in economic activities to create employment for its members and supporters, while at the same time, generating income for the party. At the social level he said that they should train young people and ensure that they could give guidance at the community level to deal with the myriad social problems.
“The plan has to be multi-dimensional, and it has to have education… health outreaches,” Norton posited.
“Political parties have doctors and other professionals, the party must mobilize them and organize and give help to the community. This is for the opposition in general. You would show people you care for them and help deliver services.”
Norton rubbished claims that he is a “traitor”. He said that he continues to remain confident that he will defeat current Leader David Granger.
“The negative doesn’t worry me, I get my motivation from the people who believe in me and who are pushing me, the persons who are claiming that, more fit that ilk than me. I am very confident that I will win, I think I can rely on the people to vote for me,” he said, while making it clear that any criticism coming from him was not directed against Granger’s person, but rather his policies.
Norton said he is not worried about the possibility of vote-fixing and election-rigging, but assures that his supporters will be keeping a keen eye on the machinery, because “all the people’s votes must count”.
“I’m not threatened at all and I believe my track record will ensure that I do well.” He boasted.
Norton, a former party chairman, said that his knowledge and vibrancy in foreign policy, is also an asset for him.
He promised to engage more Indo-Guyanese to ensure that the PNC’s support base is broadened.
“I believe to win any general elections you need a multi-ethnic approach.”
Norton boasted of an overwhelmingly strong support in all regions.