The eastern Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is set to mark a key milestone in its new political term on Wednesday, as the country’s Parliament gathers for the first sitting of the Lower House following the general election held on April 30. However, two top opposition figures will not be present for the historic opening session.
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Member of Parliament for Barbuda Trevor Walker announced their upcoming absence in an official statement released to the public this past Sunday. The pair explained that both are currently outside the country, making it impossible for them to participate in the day’s proceedings of the House of Representatives.
Per the details shared in their statement, Pringle journeyed to the United States last week to accompany his underage daughter for a scheduled, necessary medical procedure. Walker, meanwhile, is abroad addressing urgent private family matters that require his immediate attention.
The two opposition parliamentarians confirmed that they have formally notified the Clerk to Parliament of their inability to attend the first sitting. They have also arranged to complete their required Oath of Allegiance, a mandatory step to take their seats in the legislature, during the next scheduled ordinary sitting of the Lower House.
In addition to the news of their absence, the statement also provided an update on another key opposition appointment. Opposition Senator-designate Malaka Parker, who was unable to attend her initial investiture ceremony last week, is scheduled to officially receive her instruments of appointment at Government House at 10 a.m. local time today. Pringle and Walker extended warm congratulations and heartfelt best wishes to Parker, expressing their hope that she will enjoy a productive and impactful tenure representing the opposition on the Senate bench.
Today’s inaugural sitting carries significant weight for Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape. It follows a decisive landslide election victory for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, which secured a fresh mandate to govern the nation. Key business scheduled for the session includes the formal election of a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lower House, kicking off the official work of the new parliamentary term.