President Ali to meet with Opposition Leader in two weeks

With Aubrey Norton last week sworn in as a Member of Parliament and selected as the country’s Opposition Leader, President Dr. Irfaan Ali says that he plans to engage Norton in two weeks’ time.

President Ali told the News Room on Wednesday that his expected engagement with Norton will focus on “matters relating to the constitution” but noted that there is no single priority item.

Consultations between these two leaders are needed for the reconstitution of several Commissions, including the Integrity Commission, the Public Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commissions.

And President Ali emphasised, “Every area that the constitution requires me to consult (with the Opposition Leader), I will consult to have these Commissions come into operation.”

He, however, noted that appointing Commissioners cannot be done instantly; he reminded the News Room that there is a process for appointing Commissioners and reconstituting the bodies.

The President has not yet dispatched an invitation to Norton; he said that he will do so during the two-week period.

In February, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo assured reporters that President Ali would meet with the new Leader of the Opposition, as soon as that individual is selected.

Norton’s selection as Opposition Leader was delayed for months, despite becoming the Leader of the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNCR) in December last. Norton was only sworn in as a Parliamentarian last week.