Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has broken his silence over the controversial statements made by Working People’s Alliance Executive Member, Tacuma Ogunseye at a Buxton public meeting last Thursday.

Mr. Norton, who also spoke at the meeting, said while the words utterd by the WPA official were “badly chosen”, he understands the frustrations of the longtime politician with the current state of affairs in Guyana.

Norton said while Ogunseye’s language was unfortunate, the context and comments which led to his outburst cannot be ignored.

“I think Ogunseye’s language was badly chosen but we must not miss the fact that Ogunseye described the situation in Guyana and probably out of frustration he went a little to far. But the Government seems to want to use the opportunity to increase their repression rather than to recognize the problems in the society and seek to solve them,” Mr. Norton told News Source on Tuesday.

Mr. Ogunseye has been coming under widespread criticism over his comments referencing the ethnic make-up of the joint services and the support for members of the Afro-Guyanese community.

He said oppression in Guyana must be fought and hinted at a role for the joint services in such a fight.

HIs comments were flagged as inciting racial and political tension. President Irfaan Ali and the Attorney General as well as members of the private sector and some members of the People’s National Congress, wasted no time to openly call out Ogunseye over his comments.

Speaking to News Source, the Opposition Leader made it clear that his party does not condone racism but says the government is taking a position to frustrate a section of the population.

“We as a party we condemn racism outright, we have always been a party that promoted tolerance but at the same time we recognized that the government is pushing people in the direction to create tension in the society so that they can achieve their objective,” ,Mr. Norton said.

Norton has faced criticism for speaking at the same public meeting with the offensive statements were made, and not speaking out earlier. He said he will address the issue more at his next press conference.

Meanwhile, the WPA has indicated that it stands firmly behind its executive member.

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