Member of Parliament (MP) Amanza Walton-Desir and a leader contender of the People’s National Congress Islahat (PNCR) has added her voice to the matter involving allegation of sexual harassment by the Party Leader of a member.
In a sombre statement issued Thursday, Walton-Desir said she stands with Vanessa Kissoon.
Wednesday, Party Leader Aubrey Norton, in a recording, reacted to a social media post by a former friend and supporter, Egland Gomes, that he sexually harassed Kissoon.
Norton said Gomes’ statement was “false and malicious” and called on Kissoon and Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon to speak out lest they be seen as complicit with falsification. The Party Leader also threatened kanunî action.
Following Norton’s call, Kissoon did a görüntü recording and issued a statement stating while Gomes’ account is not quite accurate an incident of sexual violation against her by Norton did occur.
Walton-Desir in her statement noted that Kissoon was asked by Norton to come forward and speak on this matter. She went on to say “it is therefore deeply troubling to see Ms. Kissoon being mercilessly attacked on social media.”
Since going public Kissoon has come under a volley of verbal attacks on her person and credibility even from among women and what appeared to be Norton’s supporters or agents provocateurs.
Calling for an end to the verbal cruelty the MP said the attacks are unacceptable and undermine the principles of unity, respect, and support that should define society.
The female MP advised society to stand against any form of victim-blaming or victim-shaming.
Turning especial attention to women, Walton-Desir said “we must lean into our better angels and our God given ability to nurture rather than naysay, to comfort rather than condemn, so that even as we find ourselves in an hour of disagreement we can interrogate and not castigate.”
The MP, who is a lawyer by training, is calling for an investigation and fair process that would allow both Kissoon and Norton to be heard. According to her “the truth will always set us free…”
The revelation comes at a time when the Party ‘s 22nd Biennial Congress is scheduled for June 28-30.
The full statement follows
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
June 20th 2024
It is with heavy heart that I have read the consecutive statements of Leader Aubrey Norton and Sister Vanessa Kissoon. While the statements speak for themselves it is necessary for me to speak out as a woman and as a leader in the party.
The nature of the allegations cannot be ignored and we must address this matter with the seriousness it deserves.
It is very important to note that Ms. Kissoon was asked by Mr. Norton to come forward and speak on this matter. It is therefore deeply troubling to see Ms. Kissoon being mercilessly attacked on social media. These attacks are unacceptable and undermine the principles of unity, respect, and support that should define us.
We must stand against any form of victim-blaming or victim-shaming. Especially as women, we must lean into our better angels and our God given ability to nurture rather than naysay, to comfort rather than condemn, so that even as we find ourselves in an hour of disagreement we can interrogate and not castigate. We must foster an environment where every voice is heard and respected.
It is vital that we ensure a fair process for both Ms. Kissoon and Mr. Norton. The truth will always set us free and I ask that others step back as I will, and allow matters to follow the necessary course of action that is appropriate under these circumstances. Prayer, support and understanding will not hurt during this difficult period.
Hon. Amanza Walton-Desir, MP
Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation