Opposition Leader Defends Decision to Decline Prime Minister’s COP Invitation

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.”