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Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has come under intense scrutiny following his recent handling of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) session. During a heated discussion on the Browne and Browne Show, panelists lambasted Pringle for what they described as a superficial and ineffective approach to overseeing state finances. Critics accused him of prioritizing theatrics over substantive accountability, with one panelist characterizing the meeting as a ‘pageant and a presentation’ rather than a rigorous examination of public accounts. Pringle’s inability to grasp the complexities of the issues at hand was a recurring theme in the critique. Panelists noted that he appeared to read pre-prepared questions without fully understanding the responses, and failed to ask follow-up questions that would have demonstrated deeper engagement. One commentator likened his performance to ‘someone still trying to grapple with the alphabet,’ highlighting his apparent struggles with comprehension. The criticism extended beyond the panelists, with callers to the program joining the chorus of disapproval. One particularly scathing caller described Pringle as having ‘a coconut head with cement in it,’ questioning how someone with business experience could fail to grasp basic accounting and auditing principles. The backlash underscores growing concerns about Pringle’s leadership capabilities and his effectiveness in holding the government accountable. As the debate continues, the incident raises broader questions about the role and expectations of opposition leaders in ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has launched a scathing critique against the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), accusing them of failing to address the critical issue of climate change. Speaking on Pointe FM’s *Browne and Browne Show*, Browne highlighted the absence of substantive statements from UPP leader Harold Lovell on the matter, despite his decades-long political career. Browne emphasized that climate change is the most pressing challenge for small island states like Antigua and Barbuda, yet the UPP’s political discourse has been dominated by personal attacks rather than policy discussions. Browne contrasted this with his own Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), which has prioritized climate action since 2014, including energy transition and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint. He cited research showing Lovell’s lack of documented policy statements on climate change, apart from a vague reference to a “greener Barbuda” in the 2023 manifesto. Browne argued that this silence reflects the UPP’s ignorance and lack of issue-based focus. He urged citizens to recognize the multidimensional consequences of climate change, from intensified hurricanes to rising sea levels, and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to climate advocacy, including international leadership in seeking climate justice and reparations at the United Nations.

In a recent statement on the Browne and Browne Show, David Mathias, Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board, affirmed that the current Antigua Labour Party (ALP) administration has not borrowed any funds from the Social Security Scheme. This declaration underscores the government’s dedication to maintaining the fund’s stability and integrity. Mathias emphasized that the administration has taken tangible steps to address outstanding liabilities, ensuring the scheme remains robust and functional. He highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when payments fell short, the government intervened to keep the scheme current and advance payment processing. Mathias also reassured the public that the Social Security Scheme is stable and projected to remain so well beyond 2031, the year previously identified as a potential risk point. These remarks come in response to opposition criticism regarding the scheme’s arrears and align with the government’s commitment to fully settle outstanding contributions. The director’s statements aim to bolster public confidence in the Social Security Scheme’s future and the government’s fiscal responsibility.