United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Jamale Pringle declared he was "forged in fire" through internal party struggles and public criticism, telling supporters his leadership has been thoroughly tested and that the UPP is "ready from day one" to govern Antigua and Barbuda. According to Antigua News Room, the remarks came during a sweeping and deeply personal final rally speech delivered in All Saints on the eve of the April 30 general election.
Pringle confronted months of internal party division head-on, using it as the foundation of his closing argument to voters.
"I stand here as a leader who was forged in fire," he told the crowd, before detailing the trials he said shaped his leadership. "The fire of standing alone and carrying the weight of this party… the fire of public criticism… the fire of the leadership contest… the fire of the faction… by people whom you and I once called brother and sister… the fire of building back the confidence of you, the voters, one by one… constituency by constituency."
He also spoke of repairing bonds within the party, saying he was forged by "the fire of rebuilding relations and trust, and most importantly… brotherhood within the party that is called to serve not ourselves… but to serve you, the people of this great nation."
Pringle argued those experiences have prepared both himself and his team for government. "After all this… the United Progressive Party team of candidates is emerging from the fire," he said.
Earlier in the address, he made a direct claim of readiness for office. "I am honored, and I am proud, and I am humbled to stand here tonight leading the team that is not only qualified, but… ready from day one to lead Antigua and Barbuda."
Pringle cast the election as a defining national moment, framing it as a choice between two fundamentally different futures. "We're standing on the verge of an election — a decision… one that will decide whether Antigua and Barbuda chooses the light of democracy, opportunity, justice and prosperity… or this country continues on its dark path of corruption, self-enrichment and bribery," he said. "The choice is yours. This is a critical moment in the history of Antigua and Barbuda."
He also addressed predictions by Prime Minister Gaston Browne of a sweeping victory for the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP). "He said he was going to sweep the election — 17-9," Pringle said, dismissing the forecast as attention-seeking rhetoric. "But I know the people of Antigua and Barbuda… they're going to send a clear message."
Pringle accused the ABLP of attempting to influence voters through giveaways and intimidation. "He ridiculed us… they tore down our posters and billboards… they bribed and treated the people with money — electronic food vouchers… gas vouchers… all these giveaways," he said, questioning the timing of such spending. "I had to wonder if Gaston Browne knows he's going to lose the election… because why would he try to dry out the treasury before the UPP gets into office?"
A central theme of the speech was voter empowerment. "The power lies in you," Pringle said. "And you should not be afraid to use the power given to you… We are your servants… and when you elect men and women to administer over the affairs of this country, they must answer and report to you, the people."
He promised a shift in governance style. "We are offering you a government that works for you… a government that listens to you."
A significant portion of the address focused on sports, which Pringle described as a unifying national priority under a UPP administration. "Sport is one area that transcends all other things that divide us," he said, pledging that sports would receive priority attention under his government.
He outlined plans to transform the Mock Pond playing field into a national training facility featuring changing rooms, exercise spaces and parking. "I have a dream… to transform what we have known into a well thought out sporting facility… a facility for training… for club competition… for development of our talented young people," he said.
Pringle also proposed a broader national sports development strategy, with facilities tailored to the dominant sport in each community, including basketball, tennis and football. He added that the UPP plans to launch under-20 tournaments and bi-annual parish games by year three of its first term.
On the Sir Vivian Richards National Sports and Entertainment Complex, Pringle said his plans had already attracted private investment. "We received our first pledge… a commitment of one million dollars," he said, adding that two other businessmen each pledged an additional million, bringing total commitments to $3 million. "When you put people first, the benefactors will line up to support."
Pringle repeatedly contrasted his approach with what he described as self-serving leadership under the current administration. "The resources of state will be used not for our own enrichment purposes… but for the benefit of every Antiguan and Barbudan," he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to Barbuda, stating: "There's no forward movement of Antigua and Barbuda without the people of Barbuda sitting at the table." He formally endorsed all UPP candidates and extended support to Barbuda People's Movement leader Trevor Walker, calling the alliance "a team, united to serve your interests."
Closing his address, Pringle issued a direct appeal for a decisive mandate. "This Monday… it's a serious mandate. We are ready… Jamal Pringle is ready… the United Progressive Party is ready," he declared, before asking the crowd: "Are you ready?"
