UPP Warns Against Political Targeting as Police Seek to Question Opposition Leader Pringle

The United Progressive Party (UPP) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a developing political issue involving police interest in Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the party said it has been made aware of intentions by police to question Pringle in connection with the recent destruction of Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) materials in Old Road.

The development follows public remarks by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who has accused Pringle, directly or indirectly, of involvement in the incident.

The UPP strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and dangerous. The party accused the Prime Minister of using parliamentary privilege to make statements that could damage Pringle’s personal and political reputation, while calling on law enforcement to act.

The party warned that any attempt to detain the Opposition Leader under these circumstances would be a serious political miscalculation.

It said Deputy Political Leader Sherfield Bowen has cautioned officers against such action, noting the potential implications for democracy and political stability.

The UPP also criticized House Speaker Osbert Frederick, accusing him of failing to uphold Standing Orders in Parliament and allowing partisan attacks against the Opposition Leader to go unchecked.