“I Am Not Resigning”: Pringle Pushes Back on Exit Calls After By-Election

LETTER FROM THE POLITICAL LEADER

Dear Fellow Members, Supporters, and Friends of the United Progressive Party:

I write to you today as your Political Leader, honouring the relationship of trust and transparency that must always exist between those who lead and those who follow. You deserve to hear from me directly – not through intermediaries, not through media speculation, and certainly not through anonymous sources with axes to grind.

I am not resigning. I have no intention of resigning. And I want you to understand, clearly and fully, the reasons why the attempt to force that outcome through the back door is a matter of serious concern to every UPP member.

On the Reports in Circulation

What you have been reading is disinformation dressed up as “breaking news,” sourced entirely from an entity managed by the Prime Minister. I will not be destabilized by planted stories. I will not panic. And I will not retreat into silence. Our members and supporters deserve better than a leader who crumbles at the first volley of rumour, and I intend to be better than that.

The Truth About St. Phillip’s North

I must speak plainly about the by-election in St. Phillip’s North, since the narrative around it is as dishonest as the reports about my leadership:

The UPP has never held that constituency in 50 years of electoral politics. Let that fact settle for a moment. We did not enter that contest under any illusion of an easy victory. We entered it as a testimony to our faith in Brother Alex Browne, to measure our support in challenging terrain, and to demonstrate to the people of St. Phillip’s North that the United Progressive Party is serious about earning their confidence – not just in “safe” constituencies, but across this entire Nation.

We entered St. Phillip’s North to signal our seriousness about contesting. We shared knowledge. We established presence. That is not defeat: That is the disciplined, patient work of a party serious about governing this country.

To use the result of a by-election in a constituency the UPP has never won – under any leadership – as justification for removing elected officials is not merely disingenuous. It is a fundamental disrespect to every member who has put up a hand for service and has worked, sacrificed, and honoured that commitment.

To Those with Genuine Concerns

I am keenly aware that not every voice of dissent is born of bad faith. There are members of this Party who have real and legitimate questions about our direction, our strategy, and our pace of renewal. To those members, I say this: My door is open. Come and speak with me. Bring your concerns, your ideas, and your criticisms. That kind of honest, principled engagement strengthens a party; it does not weaken it.

What I cannot and will not accept is the use of anonymous briefings and media plants as instruments of internal political warfare. If you believe I should no longer lead this Party, then make that case through the proper democratic channels that our Constitution provides. Do not conduct it through the shadows.

My Commitment to You

The people of Antigua and Barbuda deserve a credible, principled, and united Opposition. That is not a luxury in a democracy; it is a necessity. Without a strong UPP, there is no check on the exercise of government power, no alternative vision for this country’s future, and no meaningful choice at the ballot box. That is what is truly at stake in how we conduct ourselves in the days and weeks ahead.

I remain fully committed to building this Party into an organization worthy of leading this Nation. I remain committed to holding the current administration accountable on behalf of every resident who expects better from their government. And I remain committed to you — the members and supporters, whose faith, sacrifice, and loyalty are the foundation upon which everything else rests.

The work of this party does not pause for political theatre. It continues. And I continue with it – for as long as you, the membership, entrust me with the honour of your leadership.

With gratitude, determination, and unwavering commitment to our shared mission…

Hon. Jamale Pringle

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