Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has not ruled out street protests against excesses and mismanagement by the Government, but has indicated that his party’s move not to engage in street protests is strategic.

Addressing a Town Hall meeting in Canada over the weekend, Mr. Norton documented instances of alleged widespread corruption, mismanagement and waste of resources by the current administration. 

He said the Opposition has been constantly highlighting the issue, but cautioned that any move to protest now when the Government is seemingly under pressure can degenerate and give the Government an upper hand.

“We believe that there should be protest to put pressure to the government but as leader I will say to you that street protest is not the best option now and I say that because the People’s Progressive Party is on its backfoot, many people in their constituency—Indo-Guyanese are not supporting them, they are tired of them and Jagdeo continue to irritate so that there can be street protest, and then they would pay young African Guyanese to beat Indian Guyanese and blame it on the party,” Norton said.

He told party supporters in Canada to be vigilant and to agitate in the diaspora for change in Guyana.

He said the Opposition is engaged in a campaign to unseat the PPP, and would not want to be distracted at this time. 

Mr. Norton said that the country needs a reset from what is currently taking place, alleging that the conduct of the country’s security forces, coupled with the alleged government abuses is taking Guyana down a dangerous path and while it seems that the Opposition is not doing much, it is moving strategically.

“We at this stage, should not do anything that will result in conflict between the two major ethnic groups and I do believe that is what the People’s Progressive Party is wishing for. However, that must not be interpreted to mean that there will be no protest, there will be protests, but it will be done in a way that allows us to achieve our objective, without allowing the PPP to achieve their objective of creating divisions in our society” Norton said.

The Opposition Leader pressed for diaspora support ahead of the 2025 general and regional elections, noting the key role it can play in effecting change.

He said his party is committed to ensuring good governance and the return of a democratic society where all Guyanese enjoy the proceeds from the country’s oil resources.

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