Biography of Mr. Aubrey Compton Norton

Presidential Candidate for APNU – General and Regional Elections, September 1, 2025

Early Life and the Son Chapman Tragedy
Aubrey Compton Norton was born on July 6, 1957, in Christianburg, Linden. His formative years were marked by the communal values of his hometown and the turbulent events of the 1960s. A significant turning point in his childhood was the Son Chapman tragedy, which occurred on his 7th birthday, July 6, 1964. The explosion of the motor launch Son Chapman near Hurudaia on the Demerara River claimed 43 lives, leaving a profound impact on young Norton and igniting his lifelong commitment to unity, justice, and public service.

Lifelong Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Norton’s political and social activism began at age 15 when he joined the Young Socialist Movement (YSM) in 1972. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding various executive positions. In 1985, he represented Guyana as the official youth delegate to the United Nations General Assembly during the International Year of the Youth. This experience deepened his commitment to youth empowerment and foreign affairs, influenced by interactions with the late President L.F.S. Burnham, who inspired him to advocate for social equity.

Academic Contributions and Public Service
Norton is a respected academic, holding a Diploma in Political Science from Julio Antonio College in Cuba, a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours from the University of Guyana, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Kent in the UK.

His career in foreign policy spans over 20 years. He served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the late Rashleigh E. Jackson and contributed to the development of Guyana’s international relations policies. Notable contributions include:

Member of the Guyana Delegation to the UN Conference on Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro)
Delegate to the 44th Session of the UN General Assembly
Member of the CARICOM Task Force on Environment and Development

Since 1998, he has lectured part-time and full-time in International Relations at the University of Guyana, teaching courses in Caribbean Politics, Foreign Policy, and Conflict Resolution.

From 2015 to 2018, Norton served as Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment under the APNU+AFC government, implementing impactful youth development programs. He has also worked as an Education Management and Policy Consultant, focusing on curriculum development and vocational training.

Political Leadership
Norton’s political journey reflects his deep-rooted commitment to the People’s National Congress (PNC). He served as General Secretary of the PNC in 1997, one of the youngest to hold that office. He was a Member of Parliament from 1998 to 2006 and became Leader of the Opposition in April 2022 after winning the leadership of the PNCR.

Despite his diplomatic background, Norton remains grounded and approachable, often described as a “man for the people.” As the Presidential Candidate for the APNU, he recognizes the importance of the upcoming elections and is dedicated to bridging the ethnic divide in Guyana through inclusive policies and open dialogue.

Vision for Guyana
With the nation experiencing an oil boom, Norton emphasizes that the newfound wealth must benefit all citizens. He advocates for transparent management of oil revenues, investments in infrastructure and human capital, and a focus on sustainable development and environmental conservation. His leadership aims to ensure that every Guyanese can share in the nation’s prosperity.