Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has announced that the United Progressive Party will hold a series of town hall meetings across Antigua and Barbuda, asserting that citizens must play a direct role in shaping national policy.
According to Antigua News Room, Pringle made the announcement during a UPP town hall focused on the government's proposed third-country deportee arrangement with the United States — an event he described as the first in a planned series of public consultations.
"As a Member of Parliament, as a representative of the people, it is important for me to speak on your behalf," Pringle said. "But I don't believe I can speak on your behalf not hearing from you."
Pringle argued that meaningful public participation extends beyond elections and parliamentary debates, and is fundamental to the nation's progress.
"Interactions are critical for the forward movement of Antigua and Barbuda," he said.
The opposition leader made clear that future forums will not be confined to the deportee issue, pledging to address a wide range of matters of national importance throughout the country.
"This is the first of many more to come," Pringle said. "We are going to move through the length and breadth of Antigua and Barbuda, not only on this topic. Critical issues that affect the lives of our people must be discussed, not in closed-door meetings, but in town hall meetings where we can have you being part of the discussion."
Pringle said the initiative is designed to ensure that public opinion directly informs the positions taken by the opposition on major national issues.
He also called on citizens of all political persuasions to engage more actively in public affairs, distancing the effort from partisan politics.
"I'm not asking you to be UPP. I'm not asking you to support me," Pringle said. "What I'm asking is for all of us to support Antigua and Barbuda."
