Norton slams AFC for ‘lies’ over press conference snub

…says no invitation extended to him

Opposition Leader and head of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, has accused the Alliance for Change (AFC) of lying about inviting him or his party to a joint press conference held Wednesday to address the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

Held outside the Double Day Hotel, where Adriana’s body was discovered in a swimming pool on April 24, the joint press conference was attended by several opposition figures, but not Norton or any official representatives of the PNCR or its coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Norton was perceived as having snubbed the event.
However, speaking at his party’s weekly press briefing on Friday, Norton flatly denied receiving any invitation, contradicting claims made by AFC Executive Cathy Hughes, who on Wednesday had told reporters that the PNCR and APNU, including Norton himself, had been invited.
“As far as I’m aware we weren’t invited to any press conference,” Norton stated. “I saw the circumlocution type of answer given by one member of the AFC, but we were not invited to the press conference. That is the stark fact.”
Norton did acknowledge receiving a message from the AFC earlier in the week, but clarified that it was merely a proposal to collaborate on advocacy for justice for Adrianna, but included no invitation to the press conference.

“Earlier in the week a message came to the general secretary asking our general secretary for us to work jointly, and I recalled clearly when it was brought to my attention, I said communicate with them, let us have a plan on how we move forward. That was the last I heard from them,” Norton said.
Adding further tension to the matter was the presence at the AFC event of two prominent PNCR figures—former General Secretary Dawn Hastings and Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson—both of whom have had documented disagreements with Norton. Responding to questions about their attendance, Norton clarified that they were present in their personal capacity.
This latest situation between Norton and the AFC adds fuel to ongoing speculation that relations between the AFC and PNCR have reached a breaking point.
The incident is the latest in a series of public signals pointing to deepening rifts between the AFC and APNU, of which the PNCR is the largest faction. It comes on the heels of the AFC’s announcement that it will not contest the 2025 general and regional elections as part of the APNU coalition. The fallout appears rooted in the AFC’s lack of confidence in Norton’s leadership, particularly his suitability as a presidential candidate.
Those present at the press conference included AFC Leader Nigel Hughes, AFC Chairman David Patterson, Simona Broomes, Dorwain Bess, Terrence Campbell, and Nigel London.
However, the AFC has since been criticised for the location of the press conference. As a matter of fact, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday called out the AFC for their insensitive act of hosting the press conference at the location where the child died. He said it was not only insensitive, but rather disgusting.