Tensions erupted in Parliament on Wednesday when government members and portions of the public gallery staged a walkout during Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle's parting remarks on former minister Sir Molwyn Joseph. According to Antigua.news, the dramatic exit unfolded as Pringle broke sharply from the ceremonial tone typically associated with parliamentary tributes.
Notably, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Sir Molwyn Joseph himself, and Melford Nicholas remained seated while every other government member walked out of the chamber.
Pringle, who serves as Member of Parliament for All Saints East and St. Luke, made clear from the outset that he would not offer the customary words of praise. He told the House he would "speak frankly" about what he characterised as a record defined not by distinction, but by arrogance.
While other speakers had offered glowing assessments of Joseph's tenure, Pringle took a markedly different approach. He acknowledged infrastructural developments carried out under Joseph's watch but argued they were far from without fault and should not be placed beyond scrutiny. He specifically pointed to what he described as misplaced priorities, citing significant expenditure on a public cemetery while institutions such as the hospital continue to face ongoing challenges.
"I will not be hypocritical about it," Pringle declared, pushing back against any expectation of a softened or ceremonial send-off for the departing minister.
The walkout laid bare the deep political divisions within the House, transforming what is traditionally a moment of cross-party unity into a visibly contentious farewell.
