标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a significant policy announcement during the 2026 National Budget debate, United Progressive Party (UPP) Leader Jamale Pringle declared that an opposition-led government would completely eliminate all taxation on new electric and renewable-energy vehicles. Pringle positioned this initiative as a central component of the party’s comprehensive clean-energy strategy, directly challenging the current administration’s environmental policy implementation.

The opposition leader argued that excessive import duties and multiple layers of government-imposed costs are substantially hindering the nation’s transition to sustainable transportation. He noted that while many citizens are eager to adopt electric mobility solutions due to escalating fuel prices and growing environmental consciousness, financial barriers created by existing tax structures make such conversions prohibitively expensive for ordinary families.

Pringle characterized the current taxation approach as fundamentally contradictory to the government’s publicly stated commitments on climate resilience and renewable energy adoption. He emphasized that the UPP’s proposed tax elimination would extend beyond symbolic gesture to deliver tangible benefits: dramatically reducing ownership barriers, stimulating competitive pricing among automotive dealerships, and positioning the nation to capitalize on global advancements in sustainable transport technology.

The policy proposal was framed as particularly vital for a small island nation facing disproportionate vulnerability to climate change impacts while maintaining heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels. Pringle described electric vehicle incentivization as ‘common sense’ policy that would simultaneously address environmental concerns and reduce household energy expenditures.

This automotive initiative forms part of a broader UPP renewable energy platform that includes removing restrictions on residential solar power systems and creating more favorable investment conditions for clean technology ventures. Pringle concluded that meaningful climate action must originate with practical, affordable pathways for citizens rather than international rhetoric unmatched by domestic policy implementation.

A significant political confrontation unfolded in Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament as Minister Maria Browne delivered a stern reprimand to Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle regarding his conduct during legislative proceedings. The exchange, characterized by its intensity, highlighted the deepening political divisions within the nation’s governance framework.

Minister Browne, representing the ruling administration, articulated strong objections to what she characterized as ‘unsubstantiated allegations and inflammatory rhetoric’ presented by the opposition leader. Her rebuke focused particularly on the manner of presentation rather than merely its content, suggesting Pringle’s approach undermined parliamentary decorum and the seriousness of the legislative process.

The opposition leader’s presentation, which preceded Browne’s response, reportedly contained criticisms of current government policies and their implementation. While the specific policy domains under discussion remain unspecified in initial reports, the confrontation appears to reflect broader tensions between the governing and opposition parties regarding national direction and governance standards.

Political analysts observe that such public confrontations between high-ranking government officials and opposition leadership typically indicate heightened political tensions that may influence upcoming legislative debates and potentially affect bipartisan cooperation on critical national issues. The incident marks another chapter in the ongoing political dialogue between Antigua and Barbuda’s major political factions.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has leveled serious allegations against Prime Minister Gaston Browne, accusing him of employing “double standards” in addressing ministerial misconduct within the administration. The accusations emerged during Monday’s parliamentary budget debate, where Pringle drew sharp contrasts between Browne’s historical handling of ministerial dismissals and his current approach to the ongoing vehicle-procurement controversy.

Pringle presented a detailed comparative analysis of previous ministerial terminations, highlighting three specific cases. He referenced the 2020 dismissal of former Education Minister Michael Browne, who was removed following police charges despite subsequent acquittal. The opposition leader also cited the termination of Dean Jonas, who was reportedly fired due to what the prime minister characterized as “toxic relationships” with staff members. Additionally, Pringle noted the 2018 removal of Asot Michael after British investigators questioned him, though no formal charges were ever filed.

These historical precedents stood in stark contrast to the current administration’s response to the vehicle-procurement allegations, according to Pringle. He asserted that the prime minister’s public statements indicate a marked reluctance to implement similar consequences when “the matter involves someone close to home.”

The opposition leader’s critique extends beyond individual cases to broader governance concerns. Pringle emphasized that the inconsistent application of accountability measures raises fundamental questions about governmental consistency and integrity. He maintained that the public cannot reasonably be expected to accept variable enforcement standards based on personal relationships within the administration.

Pringle’s allegations form part of a comprehensive criticism of the government’s procurement and oversight mechanisms. He has formally called for an independent investigation into the vehicle procurement matter, dismissing the prime minister’s proposed internal review as fundamentally inadequate to address the seriousness of the allegations.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has launched a stern parliamentary challenge against the government’s allocation of nearly $2 million for bunk beds within a housing relocation scheme, branding the expenditure as “excessive” and demanding immediate clarification.

During Monday’s budget response session, Pringle highlighted figures from the government’s supplementary appropriations that revealed approximately $2 million was designated specifically for bunk beds connected to the Booby Alley relocation project. The opposition leader emphasized that the substantial cost immediately stood out during his thorough review of budgetary documents.

Pringle pressed the administration to provide comprehensive details regarding the justification for such a significant financial outlay and to account for the actual utilization of the purchased items. “The allocation of nearly $2 million specifically for bunk beds necessitates a transparent explanation of fund distribution and procurement justification,” he asserted in his address to lawmakers.

The opposition leader contextualized this expenditure within a broader pattern of what he characterized as questionable spending practices evident throughout the current budget. Pringle further noted that the government’s unusually delayed presentation of supplementary appropriations to Parliament potentially correlates with the financial discrepancies his examination has uncovered.

This bunk bed allocation has intensified existing concerns regarding inflated project costs and transparency deficiencies within several government initiatives, according to Pringle. He emphasized that the substantial nature of this expenditure, particularly within a public housing program, warrants complete transparency for taxpayer accountability.

Pringle confirmed that his party intends to pursue this matter vigorously as budget debates progress, positioning it within a larger framework of governmental accountability and fiscal responsibility concerns that the opposition plans to investigate comprehensively.

In a scathing parliamentary address on Monday, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle categorically rejected the government’s announcement of a $100 million budget surplus, characterizing the figure as a fiscal mirage built upon systematically delayed payments to citizens and businesses.

Delivering his official response to the 2026 national budget, Pringle presented evidence of widespread financial delinquency across government ministries, alleging that the apparent surplus merely reflects accumulated unpaid obligations rather than genuine economic strength. He detailed how suppliers have endured payment delays of up to six months while some government departments have faced literal lockouts from their offices due to unresolved rent arrears.

The opposition leader pointed to recent school closures as symptomatic of the administration’s financial mismanagement, noting that teacher strikes were directly triggered by unpaid government commitments. This disruption, Pringle argued, exposes the fundamental contradiction between the government’s narrative of fiscal health and the operational realities facing public services.

Pringle shared poignant testimony from contractors, including one who reported 50 unsuccessful visits to the Treasury seeking payment. “This businessman ultimately shuttered his operations and terminated employees,” Pringle revealed, “precisely while the government boasts about its surplus.”

The opposition leader characterized the situation as a form of government default that creates “false hope” among citizens who see no improvement in their daily lives. He maintained that the administration must remedy these outstanding obligations before presenting what he termed an artificially optimistic economic portrait, raising serious concerns about the true condition of public finances.

In a significant law enforcement leadership transition, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has formally appointed Mr. Everton Jeffers as its Commissioner of Police. The confirmation, announced on December 8, 2025, solidifies a position he had occupied in an acting capacity since November 21, 2025.

Commissioner Jeffers assumes command following the retirement of his predecessor, Atlee Rodney, who concluded a distinguished forty-year career with the police force earlier this year. Mr. Rodney, who served six years as Commissioner after his appointment in November 2019, has transitioned to a new role as Deputy Director of the Regional Security System (RSS).

Marking a historic milestone, Jeffers becomes the eleventh individual to hold the esteemed position of Commissioner. His appointment is backed by an impressive four-decade tenure within the Force, characterized by exceptional professionalism and an unwavering dedication to national security and public welfare.

In his inaugural address, Commissioner Jeffers expressed profound humility at his selection. “I am truly humbled to be given this task to lead this noble organization,” he stated, adding, “I can assure the people of this nation that I am committed to continue giving my best service to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.”

The newly confirmed Commissioner extended gratitude to his family, colleagues, and supporters for their steadfast encouragement during his provisional leadership. He also paid tribute to Retired Commissioner Rodney for his exemplary national service and wished him success in his regional security position.

Concurrent with this appointment, the Police Administration announced the promotion of Superintendent Louisa Benjamin Quashie to Deputy Commissioner of Police, effective the same date. This elevation was part of broader organizational realignments that included several other senior officer promotions within the force’s command structure.

The police leadership has formally congratulated Commissioner Jeffers, Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Quashie, and all newly promoted officers, expressing confidence in their capabilities to uphold national security and serve the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda effectively.