Pringle: I Can Do Better Than Gaston Browne

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has positioned himself as a champion of integrity and accountability, asserting that he can lead Antigua and Barbuda more effectively than Prime Minister Gaston Browne. During a town hall meeting at the Vehicle Gate forum, Pringle emphasized the need for lawful governance, transparent financial management, and a renewed commitment to public trust. His speech resonated with attendees, who responded with enthusiastic applause. Pringle’s remarks were delivered against the backdrop of the alleged multimillion-dollar government vehicle scandal and accusations of systemic financial mismanagement under the Browne administration. He declared, ‘We deserve better, and I can do better,’ framing his leadership as a stark contrast to the current government’s practices. Pringle accused the administration of bypassing parliamentary approval for significant expenditures, violating the Finance and Administration Act, and undermining fiscal discipline. He stressed that accountability should not be subject to political convenience and called for leaders who prioritize the public’s best interests. Pringle also urged unity across party lines, emphasizing that the issue transcends partisan politics. ‘This is not about red or blue,’ he said. ‘It’s about right and wrong. It’s about defending our democracy and protecting future generations.’ The Vehicle Gate forum, attended by legal experts, former public servants, and opposition figures, served as a platform to scrutinize alleged irregularities in government vehicle procurement. Pringle’s address was both a rallying cry for change and a declaration of his readiness to lead that change. He warned that continuing on the current path risks eroding the nation’s moral compass and pledged to provide the leadership Antigua and Barbuda deserves.