Opposition Leader Jamal Pringle

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By Zaya Williams

The United Progressive Party (UPP) remains resolute in pursuing a motion of no confidence against Speaker of the House Sir Gerald Watt.

Leader of the UPP Jamale Pringle signaled his intent to initiate the motion in July, citing concerns about the Speaker’s recent conduct.

Accusations of political bias and perceived unfair treatment of Opposition Members of Parliament, particularly Asot Michael of St. Peter, who faced a three-sitting suspension on May 18, have fuelled the UPP’s determination to challenge the Speaker’s position.

Pringle disclosed that he refrained from introducing the motion during a previous parliamentary session due to the absence of most opposition MPs, alleging that government MPs hastily convened the session knowing that opposition members were on vacation.

He said the UPP’s mandate is to “bring fairness and to highlight the issues that are affecting our people,” so they will not allow “the speaker to derail our plans.”

“We are saying that the seemingly partisan speaker. Once that continues, we will move a motion of no confidence,” he added.

Furthermore, concerns surrounding Watt’s abilities stem from his prolonged refusal to acknowledge the resignation of former MP Kelvin “Shugy” Simon.

Just weeks later, just before a court hearing related to this issue, Sir Gerald acknowledged that the resignation had indeed been submitted in compliance with the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda.