Governor General Sir Rodney Williams on Monday described the Office of the Leader of the Opposition as a “vital institution” within Antigua and Barbuda’s parliamentary democracy as he officially appointed United Progressive Party (UPP) Political Leader Jamale Pringle to the post at Government House.
During the ceremony, Pringle took the Oath of Allegiance, the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy before formally assuming the constitutional role of Opposition Leader.
“It is not merely political in nature, it is also constitutional in purpose,” Sir Rodney said during the ceremony.
The Governor General said the Opposition plays an essential role in ensuring accountability, scrutiny, constructive debate and balance within the governance of the nation.
“Our democracy is strengthened not only by elections, but by the continued functioning of strong institutions, constitutional order and respectful engagement among those entrusted with public office,” Sir Rodney stated.
Pringle’s appointment follows Antigua and Barbuda’s April 30 general election, which resulted in only two non-government members being elected to the House of Representatives — Pringle of the UPP and Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM).
Sir Rodney said the appointment was made in keeping with Section 79(2) of the Constitution, which guides the Governor General in determining who should lead the parliamentary opposition.
“After careful consideration of the constitutional provisions and the circumstances arising from the general election, I have appointed the Honourable Jamale Pringle as the Leader of the Opposition,” Sir Rodney said.
The Governor General explained that the Constitution requires the appointment of the member “most likely to command the support of the majority of members who do not support the government.” Where no such majority exists, the Constitution allows for the appointment of the member commanding support from the “largest single group” opposing the government.
Sir Rodney said the decision reflected the UPP’s national political presence and Pringle’s electoral support.
“Mr Pringle leads the United Progressive Party, which is a national political organisation with representation and support across multiple constituencies within Antigua and Barbuda,” he stated.
The Governor General also noted that Pringle received “substantially more votes within his constituency than the other opposition member elected to the House.”
“The appointment therefore reflects the constitutional principles relating to support, representation and the wider national democratic framework envisioned within our Constitution,” Sir Rodney added.
He also acknowledged BPM leader Trevor Walker for his continued representation of Barbuda and the role the BPM continues to play in Antigua and Barbuda’s democracy.
Governor
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The ONE AND ONLY DULY ELECTER LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IS THE HON. LARS JAMALE PRINGLE
No room in the inn for Richard. His chance is now long passed. Over. Dead. Done with.
He may be the elected leader, But he sure is not the decision maker. There is a Puppet Master behind him who is pulling his strings. Sad but true. Hope he will wake up and stand up one day.
As much as I despise politics, I can tell you that many members of the Antiguan business community watched the UPP actions closely over the last year or two and came to the realization that they simply didn’t have what it takes to govern a country. The internal fighting and departures sent a strong message to some of us. Interestingly, unlike the previous election when UPP representatives made a full court press for campaign donations, that seemed to be non-existent this time from what I have been told.
The general consensus among my peers is that Jamale Pringle was not and is not the right person to lead the country and the thought of that actually occurring, while slim, made some business owners and investors very uneasy.
As Shuggy said he can’t drive so the UPP gonna keep on crashing out with Pringle….
Dis mussa really bun Lewis, Simon et al
Derede Samuel-Whitlock what say you?