Opposition Leader and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, has commented on the recent resignation of Jermaine Figueira from the party, describing him as an “occupier of a seat” rather than a heavyweight.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Norton challenged the notion that Figueira was a significant force within the PNCR camp, claiming that true heavyweights are measured by their work and community engagement, not merely by the positions they hold.
“I invite you to go through the performance of Figueira and see what it suggests to you that he was a heavyweight performing credibly for the APNU,” Norton said.
He pointed out that youth sport and culture only became a focus after he removed Figueira and appointed Nima Flue-Bess, whom he described as a genuine heavyweight.
“In my opinion, Figueira is the occupier of a seat, not a heavyweight. A heavyweight gets into the community, relates to people, and does what has to be done,” Norton added.
Despite departures like Figueira’s, Norton insisted that the PNCR remains strong and grounded.
“Though you are not seeing the likes of Figueira on the ground, the hardworking party members who are there continue to be there, and we will do the work to achieve our objectives.”
Earlier this week, Figueira broke his silence on his resignation, expressing deep disappointment with the party’s current leadership and internal culture, which he says no longer reflects the values that initially inspired his service.
He accused the PNCR leadership of fostering a climate of sycophancy and vindictiveness, where faithful contributors are routinely sidelined.
Figueira, who would have taken an independent position from his party in representing his constituency, was stripped of his position as regional Chairman of the party in Region Ten and his shadow portfolio by Leader Aubrey Norton.
