UPP Leader Stands with Shugy; Accuses Media of “Political Magic Tricks”

PRESS STATEMENT

Statement from Jamal Pringle, MP and Leader of the United Progressive Party

The United Progressive Party is fully aware of the ongoing attempts by certain media outlets, including Antigua News Room, to manufacture division within our ranks and distract the public from the real failures of this Government.

This type of gossip-driven reporting does not advance national development. It does not address rising living costs, economic insecurity, failing public services, or declining public trust.

Instead, it seeks to turn every difference of opinion into a crisis and every healthy internal discussion into so-called “division.”
Our members are not fooled by these political magic tricks.

The UPP is a mature, democratic, and forward-looking party. We encourage debate, ideas, and innovation. That is not weakness—it is strength in a modern political movement.

I wish to place on record my full confidence in and support for Hon. Kelvin “Shuggy” Simon.

Shuggy is an emerging leader within this party. He has carried out every assignment given to him with energy, dedication, discipline, and deep respect for our organisation and our people. He has served with commitment and integrity, and I am proud to serve alongside him.

He has helped sharpen my own leadership, challenged me constructively, and strengthened our collective vision. Despite any public misperception that may be promoted for political convenience, I know—without doubt—that he has this party and this country at heart.

That is why he has my full support as we continue to build, strengthen, and modernise the UPP.

Unlike the leadership style we see under the current Prime Minister, where ministers are routinely humiliated, undermined, and discarded when politically convenient, my leadership is grounded in respect, teamwork, and shared responsibility.

The world has changed. Leadership today requires collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence—not fear, intimidation, and public shaming.

Our party reflects those values. We will not be distracted by attempts to pit brother-against-brother or sister against sister. We remain united in purpose: to offer the people of Antigua and Barbuda honest, competent, and compassionate leadership.

Our focus remains on holding this Government accountable, restoring confidence in public institutions, rebuilding the economy, protecting the vulnerable, and delivering real opportunities for our youth.

We are preparing to form the next government. We are preparing to end the era of arrogance, division, and self-interest under Gaston
Browne.

And no amount of manufactured controversy will derail that mission.

The UPP is united.
The UPP is focused.
The UPP is ready.