The allegations of sexual impropriety against the leader of People’s National Congress Islahat (PNCR) Mr. Aubrey Norton, by a party member, continues to reverberate, in various quarters. These allegations have circulated on social media and have since seen responses from several persons including the regular party members and supporters.
Leader of the Opposition and PNCR Aubrey Norton in his main response challenged the victim who remained quiet on the allegations made by a former Norton comrade to speak out. The response to her decision to so do so did not achieve the respect that such allegations deserve, even from female names which seemed aligned to the Norton Camp. For her declarations the victim suffered an onslaught of vigorous responses from Norton supporters both males and females.
The leader whom many expected to give sensitive leadership remained silent on the victim shaming and the intensity of the abuse being channelled on social media. Compared to the response of many who could be associated with the campaign when a former PPP Minister Dharamlall was accused of violent sexual assault against a young indigenous female, in this instance where the accused happened to be of the opposite group, the supporters by and large did not seek to come out enmasse against the accused until she changed her narrative. This caused some to publicly claim that the Minister and/ or associates had finally got to her and her family.
The PNC alleged victim has however, to date not changed her story and has resumed her pre- disclosure silence even amidst the comments made on Social media highlighting concerns for the upcoming National elections, protecting the leader to enable the fight against the PPP and protecting the image of the Party.
Others meanwhile made known their concerns about the negativity by males and females of the same group who attacked not only the integrity of the victim’s claims but the victim who is known to be a staunch and vibrant activist for her Party. The grief of the victim though evident also became an undeserving mockery that only highlighted the desperation surrounding the public displays.
Former Minister of government in the APNU+AFC administration Simona Broomes, who took on the fight against Dharamlall days ago boldly called for Norton to step down to facilitate an investigation.
Broomes, a former Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection and a fighter against discrimination and abuse of women and human trafficking of young girls, addressed a letter written to the General Secretary of the PNCR, Mrs. Dawn Hastings Williams. Though Broomes expressed concerns for both the victim, the accused and the interest of the Party even such rational and sensitive approach was not well received by the Norton supporters.
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See Simona Broomes’ letter below
Dear Madame GS, et. al.,
Re: Allegations of sexual impropriety
This correspondence seeks to bring to the attention of all concerned the allegations made against the Cde Leader of the People’s National Congress Islahat (PNCR) and its potential impact on the Party.
The importance of this is underscored in a context of the sensitivities and awareness of the ‘Me2 Movement’. The consciousness of human rights and dignities protects the vulnerable from those who seek to or violate the innocence, sexual integrity and safety of others.
Our nation has recently been rocked by allegations of the gruesome and brutal tale of sex crimes against a male government Minister. Please recall that the PNCR, especially female members, championed the call for justice for the female, and for the Minister to be held accountable.
Today we are facing less gruesome but nevertheless, allegations of sexual impropriety involving the threat of a gun used to coerce a sexual act. Comrades we cannot pretend that we do not hear or that what has been said is untrue without the en az of a denial of said allegation made against the Cde Leader by the named victim, or the truth being discerned from an internal investigation.
It would serve the Cde Leader well should he address this matter publicly as well as internally as per organisation custom, practice and precedent.
The latter would have seen none other than a former Deputy Prime Minister having to step down to facilitate an investigation. To protect the image of the Party and distinguish it from the PPP in terms of management of said crisis, the Cde. Leader should step down with immediate effect for the investigation to proceed.
The alleged victim, our women, girls, and society deserve the respect of a dignified withdrawal so that social justice can be exacted where it is found deserving.
I urge our NCW to reach out to the alleged victim and to provide counselling where necessary, even as we work this through as a Party that understands the importance of the accused being innocent until proven guilty; the dignity and right of the alleged victim to protection; safeguarding the image of our party as a responsible alternative to the PPP, with accountability and unity on the issue of social justice.
I therefore call on every single member of Parliament, of the CEC and Party members, to rally for truth, justice and accountability to be our guiding principle to protect the Party that we love from the taint of sexual predation and an unsafe environment for young women.
We are not the PPP !
Sincerely,
Simona Broomes
Former Member of Parliament