United Progressive Party Political Leader Hon. Jamale Pringle has firmly denied reports that he intends to step down from his position, dismissing the claims as politically motivated. According to Antigua News Room, Pringle issued a formal statement addressing the speculation directly.
"I am not resigning," Pringle stated unequivocally, addressing UPP members, supporters, and the broader public of Antigua and Barbuda. He attributed the reports to a source he alleged is managed by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, accusing it of seeking to destabilize the opposition party rather than inform the public.
"I remain your Political Leader. I remain committed to holding the Gaston Browne Administration Government accountable. And I remain committed to building this Party into an organization worthy of leading this Nation," Pringle said in the statement.
Pringle also confirmed the continued commitment of former Political Leader Brother Harold Lovell — both to the party's cause and to the constituency of All Saints West — and called on "all right-thinking persons" to stand with the UPP ahead of the imminent General Election.
The Political Leader also moved to counter the narrative surrounding the party's recent performance in the St. Philip's North by-election. He argued that the UPP entered the contest to demonstrate support for its candidate, Brother Alex Browne, and to signal commitment to voters seeking change — not as a bid to win a seat the party has never held in its 50-year history.
"To use the result of the by-election as a crowbar to dislodge elected Party leadership is not merely disingenuous. It is an insult to the intelligence of the public and a fundamental misreading of what that contest was designed to achieve," Pringle said. He added that such an interpretation disrespects every Political Leader since 1993 and every party member committed to principled governance.
Addressing dissenting voices within the party, Pringle struck a conciliatory tone, stating that his door remains open to members with concerns about the party's direction, strategy, or pace of renewal. He described genuine, openly expressed disagreement as healthy within any democratic organisation.
Pringle closed his statement with a direct message to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, pledging to build a credible, united, and focused opposition. "The Antigua Labour Party has earned no blank cheque, and the citizens of this country deserve much more than they are now receiving," he said.
The statement was also signed by UPP Chairman Dame D. Gisele Isaac, General Secretary Sen. Shawn M. Nicholas, and Treasurer Mr. Leon George.
