ANTIGUA | UPP Leader vows to stay the course, will not resign despite indirect pressure from traditional party bosses

ST. JOHN Antigua, Sept 24, 2024 - In the sun-drenched shores of Antigua, a political storm brews as the United Progressive Party (UPP) faces turbulent waters. At the helm stands Jamale Pringle, a man whose resolve seems as unshakeable as the island's bedrock, even as waves of resignations crash against the party's hull.

Pringle, the UPP's captain, is navigating through choppy seas, refusing to abandon ship despite what he perceives as a coordinated mutiny. In a bold declaration, he asserted, "It has become apparent that there is a coordinated effort by certain high-ranking UPP members to undermine the party's credibility through a series of staged resignations, which aims to pressure me into resigning as party leader - a position to which I was duly elected at our Biennial Convention in April."

The political landscape of Antigua has become a chessboard, with Pringle finding himself in a high-stakes game against opponents he claims are unwilling to accept the democratic process that elevated him to leadership. "I was chosen from among two candidates by a majority of our members. Since then, some who supported the other candidate have refused to work with me as leader, taking issue with my elevation to this role," he explained, hinting at a rift that runs deeper than mere policy disagreements.

As the latest pawn falls - Public Relations Officer Damani Tabor's resignation on Monday - Pringle stands firm, his background as a self-made businessman serving as both shield and sword against his detractors. In a candid moment, he peeled back the layers of Antiguan society, suggesting that the opposition to his leadership may be rooted in classist and racial undercurrents.

"The United Progressive Party has always put people first," Pringle declared, his words painting a picture of a party at a crossroads between its egalitarian ideals and the reality of entrenched privilege. "My journey from humble beginnings to becoming both party leader and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament embodies the opportunities the UPP can provide."

In a society where the corridors of power have long echoed with the footsteps of the elite, Pringle's ascension represents a seismic shift. He acknowledges his unconventional path to leadership, stating, "While I may not possess the unbridled wealth or formal education of some of my resigned colleagues, my record as a political representative speaks for itself. I enjoy high approval, golden representation, unquestionable integrity, and the love of my constituents who elected me to serve."

The UPP leader doesn't mince words when addressing the motives behind the wave of resignations. "Some of those who have resigned seem willing to destroy our party in their efforts to remove me. If I may hazard a guess, this is in their attempts to have parliamentary representation remain the protected precinct of the 'haves' over 'the have nots'. However, I have no intention of stepping down."

In a poignant moment, Pringle sheds light on the whispered prejudices that still linger in the shadows of Antiguan politics. "As for me - this 'Little Black Boy' (as they secretly refer to me among themselves) - my commitment remains steadfast to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, most of whom have the same ancestry as I do. This is my home, and I have nowhere else to go," he declared, his words a rallying cry for those who see in him a reflection of their own aspirations.

As the sun sets on another day of political intrigue in Antigua, Pringle's message rings clear: "I remain dedicated to leading the UPP and serving our nation with integrity and determination, demonstrating to our country's young people that whatever their dreams may be, with application, they can be achieved." In the face of adversity, Jamale Pringle stands not just as a party leader, but as a beacon of hope for a new generation of Antiguans dreaming of a more inclusive tomorrow.