Several government Members of Parliament walked out of the Lower House on Tuesday, joined by members of the public seated in the gallery, in protest over remarks made by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle during tributes to retiring parliamentarian Sir Molwyn Joseph.
According to Antigua News Room, Pringle launched into a sharp critique of Sir Molwyn — the current MP for St. Mary's North — who is stepping away from active politics after 38 years of service. Pringle stated plainly that he would not be gracious toward the veteran politician, citing the manner in which Sir Molwyn had treated him during his time in Parliament.
The session had been convened, in part, to pay tribute to Sir Molwyn Joseph, newly installed MP Randy Baltimore, and the late MP Eustace "Teco" Lake. Members of Parliament on both sides of the aisle had been offering remarks in honour of the three men when Pringle rose to speak.
While the opposition leader offered a warm tribute to Lake and briefly welcomed Baltimore, he took a markedly different tone when addressing Sir Molwyn's legacy. Pringle told the House that Sir Molwyn's tenure was defined by controversy and incompetence, and that the veteran MP had presided over a deteriorating health sector and a neglected constituency.
At least five MPs joined members of the public in walking out in protest. They returned to the chamber once Pringle had taken his seat.
Not all assessments were critical. Opposition MP Richard Lewis praised Joseph for his contributions over his 38 years in Parliament, while Barbuda MP Trevor Walker described Sir Molwyn as one of the finest debaters the Lower House has seen.
Pringle, for his part, pushed back against the uniformly positive tone of the tributes, urging fellow parliamentarians to be honest and balanced in their assessment of the outgoing MP's record.
