Prime Minister Gaston Browne told a crowd of approximately 10,000 supporters Saturday night that opposition leader Jamale Pringle is not prepared to lead Antigua and Barbuda, issuing a pointed warning to voters days before the April 30 general election.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks at one of the largest rallies of the campaign season, framing the upcoming vote as a choice between stability and uncertainty.
"Let us be honest, Jamale Pringle is just not ready yet," Browne told the crowd, adding: "This is not a time… to risk the future of this country with proven failures."
Browne urged voters to make leadership their central consideration, repeatedly cautioning against a change of government at this stage. "This is not a time for you to stand back. This is not a time for you to watch on… this is not a time for you to risk the future of this country," he said. "Stand with certainty, with reliability, and strong leadership."
The Prime Minister trained his sharpest criticism on the internal state of the United Progressive Party (UPP), arguing that divisions within the opposition disqualify it from governing.
"The UPP is in chaos. They're divided. They're struggling for power. They're literally pulling in different directions… sinking their ship," Browne said. "If they can't run a party, how can you expect them to run a country?"
Browne also challenged the opposition's policy proposals, claiming they lack financial grounding. "They're making big promises, but they have no plans. They have not done the math… no analysis to determine affordability, viability, reliability, or sustainability," he said.
Pointing to his administration's fiscal record, Browne highlighted a reduction in the national debt as evidence of sound governance. "We brought down the debt from 110% in 2014 down to 61% today. We're not going back there," he said.
He warned that an opposition-led government would reverse those gains. "They will drive the country into massive debt once again… or they will tax you out of existence… and take you back to the IMF," Browne said.
Closing on a rallying note, Browne called on supporters to vote with confidence. "This is your time… to stand tall with confidence, with pride, and with dignity," he said.
The rally, which combined political messaging with entertainment, represented a significant show of force for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party as both major parties intensify their campaigns in the final days before polling day.
