Condemning Opposition Leader’s walkout as unpatriotic betrayal

Dear Editor,
Today, the people of Guyana bore witness to an act of staggering political irresponsibility, clothed in petty grievance and devoid of patriotism. At a time when our nation’s sovereignty is under direct threat by a belligerent neighbour, the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton, chose to abandon his duty and walk out of the National Assembly, as the Government of Guyana tabled a critical motion to denounce Venezuela’s ongoing violations of international law. This motion, grounded in Guyana’s unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and our collective defence of the Essequibo region, integral to our territorial integrity, was an opportunity for unity, not division. Mr Norton’s decision to politicise this solemn moment by staging a walkout over a procedural committee matter is, frankly, contemptible. Let it be clear: the chairmanship of the Foreign Relations Committee is no justification for betraying the sacred responsibility of elected office at such a perilous time for our Republic. When the flag is under siege, when the courts of the world stand with Guyana, and when our people need reassurance that their leaders will stand firm and united, Mr. Norton chose instead to grandstand. His actions today were not those of a statesman, but of a saboteur. The Liberty and Justice Party condemns, in the strongest possible terms, this disgraceful display of political vanity over national duty. This is not opposition; it is abdication. It is not patriotism; it is perfidy. In walking out of Parliament, Mr. Norton walked out on every Guyanese man, woman, and child whose future is tied to the peace, security, and sovereignty of our homeland. We call on all right-thinking Guyanese to see this act for what it is: a betrayal of our Republic at its moment of need. We urge the Leader of the Opposition to abandon this dangerous political theatre and return to the only stage that matters now, the collective defence of our nation. Let us not be distracted. Let us not be divided. Let us be Guyanese—first, last, and always.

Sincerely,
Lenox Shuman
Leader Liberty and
Justice Party