Leader of the UPP Jamal Pringle.
The Leader of the Opposition, Jamale Pringle, has accused Prime Minister Gaston Browne of attempting to deceive the public by releasing a sham “consultation” letter regarding the appointment of Arthur Thomas as Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC).
According to MP Pringle, PM Browne has faced criticism in recent days due to his failure to consult with the Opposition Leader as required by law prior to the appointment of Mr. Thomas.
However, on Tuesday, February 20th, the Daily Observer published a letter allegedly signed by the Prime Minister dated February 15th, which suggests that there was consultation.
In the letter, PM Browne informs Pringle of his choice and thanks him for having consulted on Thomas’ appointment, implying that the Opposition Leader approved of the decision.
However, Pringle states that there was absolutely no consultation and that the letter was backdated and delivered to the Parliament Building on Monday, February 19th, between 3:30 and 4 p.m. by Chief of Staff Lionel “Max” Hurst, in an attempt to cover up the legal omission.
He said furthermore, PM Browne cited the wrong act, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010, instead of the required act, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2001, which added confusion to the deception.
MP Pringle reiterates that he was not consulted and, even if he had been, he would not have supported Mr. Thomas’ appointment due to reasons already articulated by the United Progressive Party.
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