United Progressive Party political leader Jamale Pringle has pledged to extend the legal stay period for Caribbean nationals from three months to six months if his party wins government, according to Antigua News Room. Pringle argued the change would reduce both the cost and inconvenience faced by non-nationals currently required to renew their stays more frequently.
"Instead of having to run to immigration every three months for an extension, we will extend the duration of your legal time to six months," Pringle told supporters at a rally, drawing applause from the crowd. "No longer will our Caribbean brothers and sisters have to run to the immigration department every three months."
Pringle framed the immigration proposal as part of a broader governing philosophy centred on responsiveness. "This people first administration will save you more time and money… that is what a caring government does for people who call Antigua and Barbuda home," he said.
The UPP leader also announced that work permits in the tourism sector would be made unrestricted. Pushing back against what he described as misinformation about his party's position on non-nationals, Pringle stated, "Our government will work for every single person living here in Antigua and Barbuda."
Beyond immigration, Pringle outlined a series of measures targeting young Antiguans and Barbudans. He said a UPP government would conduct a land audit to determine the availability of remaining Crown land, and would sell residential plots exclusively to citizens aged 35 and under at no more than $5 per square foot.
"We will be committed to sell that land in approximately 8,000 square feet plots… no cost greater than $5 a square foot, and it will be sold only to youth up to 35 years of age," Pringle said. He added that the party aims to allocate at least 2,000 such plots over five years.
Pringle also pledged to end the practice of requiring homeowners to pay for utility infrastructure in new developments. "We will end the practice of having you pay for APUA electricity poles and water pipes when you move into a new neighbourhood," he said.
As an alternative to conventional housing, the UPP leader said his party would pursue public-private partnerships to develop affordable multi-level townhouse communities equipped with shared amenities such as gyms and playgrounds.
Throughout his address, Pringle maintained that the party's core message — that government must work for the people — is resonating with undecided voters. He claimed that support for the UPP is growing ahead of the April 30 general election.
Closing his remarks, Pringle urged supporters to mobilise and cast their votes. "Nothing will come to us. We have to go and fight for it," he said, calling for the removal of the current administration and a return to what he described as the "glory days" of UPP governance.
