Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton has issued a word of caution to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, stating that if its support base in Linden is provoked, the ruling party “would be sorry.”
Norton made remarks to this effect today in response to reports of opposition supporters being harassed by the PPP government for openly showing their support during the activities leading up to Local Government Elections. When asked about the situation, Norton responded, “Well first of all, let me say that in Linden we are not afraid of the PPP. We have been exercising restraint. We think what they are seeking to do is to harass us with the hope that we will lose our cool and they will get whatever little benefits they can get from that kind of activity.”
Norton further added, “Our intention is to be steadfast, focused, firm, and ensure that we’re not provoked. However, the PPP should know…if Linden is provoked, they will be sorry.”
Norton also rejected claims that the opposition in Linden was engaging in race-baiting, following allegations that Lindeners were refusing to meet with him due to his alleged race-baiting. Norton countered, “We have not been speaking to the issue of race when we are dealing with any community. We have identified the discrimination against African Guyanese, we have identified it and we believe we have a right to do that. That is not race-baiting.”
It is noteworthy that tensions between the Norton-led opposition and the PPP government have been heightened in light of the upcoming Local Government Elections, with both parties making claims of race-baiting. It was reported that the PPP government saw a large turnout of supporters during its nomination day activities in the region. However, the opposition has remained confident that it will win the election.
