Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has explained his decision to decline Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s invitation to attend the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) climate summit in Brazil, saying his refusal is rooted in principle and timing — not politics.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Pringle said his choice was supported by his United Progressive Party (UPP) colleagues and “discerning members of the public,” describing the Prime Minister’s invitation as “disingenuous and politically motivated.”
Pringle noted that the government is currently facing mounting scrutiny over the alleged illegal sale of government vehicles by the Ministry of Public Works, an issue that has become known locally as “Vehicle-Gate.”
“Given that the UPP is leading the charge to educate the public on this scandal and mobilizing citizens to demand an investigation, I do not see how it would be appropriate for me to leave the country at this critical time,” Pringle stated.
He reminded the public that since October 20, he has been calling for an independent probe into the scandal, and not one orchestrated by the very individuals accused of wrongdoing. The Opposition Leader also said that allegations of a wider fraud involving aggregates within the ministry must be investigated as well.
Pringle accused Prime Minister Browne of using the invitation as a political tactic to weaken public confidence in the Opposition’s campaign for accountability. He pointed to an incident on the Prime Minister’s radio programme, where a host attempted to question him about the controversy — an act Pringle said “confirmed the government’s malice,” noting that similar questions have not been directed at the Works Minister or other implicated officials.
“I will not allow the Prime Minister’s disingenuous invitation, with his well-known spinning of facts and exploitation of photographs, to undermine my position or that of my Party,” Pringle declared.
He reaffirmed the UPP’s commitment to tackling corruption and promoting transparency, while emphasizing that environmental stewardship remains a top priority for the Opposition.
“We remain committed to the fight against climate change through research, collaboration, and responsible policy,” he said, adding that the UPP continues to advocate for eco-sensitive development across Antigua and especially on Barbuda.
Pringle concluded by calling on “all conscious residents and responsible organizations” to echo the call for a full, independent investigation into the Public Works vehicle scandal, stressing that “this is not a partisan issue, but a matter of national integrity.”
Finally, some integrity in leadership! Standing your ground when it matters most shows true patriotism. We can’t be talking about climate change abroad when corruption home stinks to high heaven.
So Gaston want take Pringle pon trip just fi tek picture wid he? Nah man, dat one too slick
That COP meeting is global exposure for Antigua and Barbuda. Pringle missing it shows poor judgement. He could’ve still called for accountability while representing us abroad.
Differences are part of democracy, but collaboration could send a stronger message globally.
Hahahahahaha so you decline on those grounds…. How far have you gotten in your pursuits of an independent inquiry?
I tired of both sides using everything as political football. The vehicles wrong, yes, but climate talks important too. Why can’t we have a united delegation for once?
So, when it’s time to represent the country on the global stage, he suddenly can’t make it? This kind of division only weakens Antigua and Barbuda’s voice. Politics aside, the Opposition Leader has the right to decline, but climate talks like COP are national matters , unity would send a stronger message internationally.
Pringle soulful have gone. But again you vantage trust tour enemy
Pringle right. Fix the moral climate before you fly off to talk bout the global one.
It’s not about rejecting climate responsibility it’s about accountability. You can’t clean the planet if your own house dirty.
Vehicle-Gate, Aggregate-Gate HAHAHHA…every week a new gate. Antigua turning into full-time hardware store.