Vanessa Kissoon says she was sexually harassed by Norton

PNCR member Vanessa Kissoon said today on her Facebook page that she was threatened with rape several years ago while traveling in a car with then party leader Aubrey Norton.

Her accusation threatens to derail preparations for the party congress scheduled for later this month, where Norton will vie for the party leadership.

Kissoon’s statement came after Norton had earlier that day asked her to clarify allegations that he sexually harassed her. Norton denied the claim, saying he never traveled alone with Kissoon.

This afternoon, Kissoon said she was harassed by Norton. Stabroek News reached out to Norton for comment on Kissoon’s statement and he said he was going to a Central Executive Committee meeting.

In her statement, Kissoon said she had not consented to her conversation about the incident being published by another person, but now felt it was important to come clean.

“PNCR Party members and supporters, fellow Guyanese, I have proudly served the people of this country at the highest levels of decision-making. Many women, young people, people of all ages, classes and races look to me for leadership and to do the right thing. I am committed to their expectations of me as a female advocate and role model, as a politician, a teacher and most importantly, as a mother.

“There is a social media story that is taking on different dimensions and forms following the publication of a statement by a certain Egland Gomes, with whom I had a conversation some time ago in the presence of a third person. In that conversation, I did not approve of Mr. Gomes making my story public for any purpose.

“Despite Mr Norton’s allegations, I rode in Mr Norton’s car under what I perceived to be a threat to use a firearm that he had in his possession and showed me,” she said.

She then recounted what had happened, adding: “Mr. Norton did not carry out his threats or wishes, but I have borne the burden of these threats, disrespect and assaults for years. I have told some of my closest confidants. Mr. Norton was never more than a political comrade to me.”

She added: “Because my story was made public through no fault of my own, which was my right, I maintain that it was wrong, regardless of the motive. It hurts to be forced to face this publicly because of someone else’s actions. All I can say to those who are victims like me is: don’t make the same mistake I did. Take control of your experience before others do it for you.

“Mr. Norton may not have recognized the times we live in and the value of protecting women and girls. No one should be subjected to such inappropriate sexual advances and threats. The men and women who allowed politics rather than what is right to influence their assessment of the situation still have a lot to learn about abuse and sexual misconduct. I remember how vigorously some of you took action against other defendants, but how you failed your own. Our party, our nation, needs more education and a bipartisan approach to actions like this.”