UPP asserts that destruction of Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle’s tent at Morris Bay was politically motivated
Press Statement
The United Progressive Party (UPP) is asserting its support for Political Leader Jamale Pringle after the Development Control Authority (DCA) razed a costly tent where he did business, yesterday, at Morris Bay, and says the destruction was ordered by the political directorate.
The Party notes that during MP Pringle’s hard-hitting reply to the Budget Presentation on December 8, he dismissed the document as a “Tax and Thief Budget.”
He was highly critical of MP Maria Browne, the Prime Minister’s wife and the Minister of Works, laying out the failures of her Ministry, the corruption that dogs it, and her refusal to step aside and allow an independent investigation into the $15 million Vehicle-gate Scandal.
As Pringle spoke, PM Browne openly threatened to have his tent at Morris Bay pushed down.
Accordingly, Party leaders are convinced that the DCA’s action was political retaliation. According to reports, in November, several operators at Morris Bay were given removal notices by the DCA.
However, Pringle’s property was the only one destroyed. Party officials condemn the use of a backhoe as “excessive,” given that the tent was a collapsible structure and could have been dismantled by hand.
Ironically, Pringle is the area’s parliamentary representative and was instrumental in revitalizing the beach area, establishing it as a park, and constructing a public restroom. While the Political Leader is being advised by legal counsel, the Party and its supporters have accepted this action against Pringle as a declaration of war on the UPP.
“The Prime Minister is a frightened man – with Vehicle-gate and the corruption in Public Works looming – and he is desperate to win the upcoming election,” one Executive Member observes. “What happened on Wednesday is another reason to ensure he does not.”
Of course it was politically motivated! Are we now beginning to understand the incorrigible, badminded, corrupt, greedy clown we call PM? What a colossal error was made in putting this man in that office.
Has there ever been such treachery, deceit, collusion, flip-flopping in this little 108? Men,women and almost everyone, is clamoring for positions, prestige and the filthy lure at any cost. They sell their souls and rubbish any inclinations of integrity for dirty money.
The scourge must be removed like Achan was in the bible.
I voted for the PM but this is wrong on every level bet no comments on this tell you the level of fear he has on antigua ppl, we restle not against flesh and blood but wickedness in him places PM remember you have children and curse run from generation to generation GOD SAY SO we can agree to disagree, your voters talking behind your back when you do this kind of thing.
Wrestling
If they ask you to move it just move it. Sometimes we call problem on ourawlves
This much we know is true…………..politics. But we will deal with this matter at the polls
Hard to believe this wasn’t political. The timing and the target make it look way too convenient.
If several vendors received notices but only Pringle’s tent was bulldozed, the message is loud and unmistakable: power is being used as a weapon.
If several vendors received notices but only Pringle’s tent was bulldozed, the message is loud and unmistakable: power is being used as a weapon.
A US$65,000 business operation bulldozed while he’s in Parliament? That looks less like governance and more like political vengeance.
Of course it is politically motivated. What else?
This incident raises serious questions about the independence of the DCA and the role of the executive in directing its actions.
What happen to alyuh Antiguan people, can’t see DCA is taking derectives from the administration and not being independent. I’m tired of seeing DCA do things like this to indigenous Antiguans with very little or no consequences while people came here can do anything they please. Example, Perry Bay, and all kinds of shack up unsightly structures all over the country
Political retaliation disguised as enforcement undermines public trust in every institution involved.
Pringle revitalized Morris Bay, invested in the community, and built infrastructure the government itself didn’t provide. To destroy his tent is beyond disrespectful it’s spiteful.