Senator Malaka Parker says the re-election of Jamale Pringle represents hope and resilience for the United Progressive Party, declaring that Antiguans and Barbudans remain “awake” despite what she described as efforts to destabilize the opposition movement.
Speaking during the UPP All Saints East and St. Luke branch’s thanksgiving service celebrating Pringle’s election victory, Parker urged supporters not to underestimate the significance of the party retaining a single parliamentary seat.
“Do not underestimate the power of oneness,” Parker said as she reflected on growing up during the era when former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer served as the lone opposition parliamentarian.
Parker recalled being inspired as a child while living in Grace Farm and witnessing what she described as the “stern determination” of Spencer and opposition supporters during difficult political years.
“That was the flicker that lit the flame,” she said.
Referring to the popular “Single Pringle” slogan associated with Pringle’s lone opposition seat in Parliament, Parker said the concept of “oneness” carried deeper meaning.
“Oneness is powerful,” she said. “You are representing again this movement — a profound movement of resilient people.”
Parker became emotional at points during the address as she reflected on seeing longtime party supporters in attendance, many of whom she said she had known since childhood.
She spoke about earlier periods in the UPP’s history when public meetings attracted very few people and opposition supporters struggled to spread their message because “information was managed” and opportunities were limited for those aligned with the movement.
“I want to say that Jamal, your election represents hope,” Parker said. “It is a testament to the fact that Antiguans and Barbudans are still awake.”
She also claimed there had been a “great movement” in the country aimed at destabilizing “the intention, the vision, the mission, the hearts and soul” of the people, but vowed that the UPP would continue pressing forward.
“We’re going to use this spark that is the Honorable Jamal represents, and we will light the flame,” Parker declared.
Invoking longtime opposition rhetoric, Parker repeatedly declared: “We will not retreat, and we will not surrender.”
She later shifted focus to the future of the UPP, saying the party must move into “rebuilding” and “expansion” mode rather than limiting itself to internal discussions among supporters.
“We cannot be a church talking to ourselves,” Parker said as she urged party members to “tear down walls” and reach new supporters.
Parker also referenced American abolitionist Harriet Tubman, describing her as a symbol of resistance and awareness-building. She recounted Tubman’s famous reflection that she “could have freed more people if they knew they were slaves.”
Using the analogy to frame the UPP’s mission, Parker said the party’s responsibility was to educate and “re-educate” people.
“We are on a mission to free people, build the awareness, to re-educate,” she said. “The mission continues.”
Parker ended her remarks by congratulating Pringle and publicly acknowledging a young supporter named Jonathan, whom she described as “the future of the UPP.”
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More meaningless words from a party who took a thorough beating in the election. Even die-hard UPP supporters are “chupsing” at statements like this.
The majority of Antiguans are very much awake and proved that by voting for the ABLP who, as a reminder, crushed the UPP in last month’s election. The people of Antigua spoke loud and clear.
Malaka’s remarks don’t fool anyone, including those she is trying to motivate. I give her a year before she washes her hands of Pringle and the UPP and leaves them like so many before her.
You are absolutely correct.
Antiguans are indeed awake.
That’s why Pringle almost lost his seat to.
All Antiguans were calling for him to relinquish leadership of the party.
He didn’t because he was in labour party’s pocket.
It almost cost him his seat.
He didn’t win because he is such a great or loved parliamentary representative.
He won all be it by the slimmest margin because the people of Old Road are die hard Anti labour supporters.
Now as for the defeated UPP candidates:
They are like the fools that Stalling plucked their feathers.
Although their losses are squarely on the shoulders of Jamale Pringle they are still there singing his praises.
Can one really be so cruel to his/herself??
How can you support and worship a man responsible for taking bread off your table!!!
With Pringle as leader of the UPP it is quickly sinking into extinction.
He has overstayed his welcome!!!l
“A FLOCK OF SHEEP (LABOUR PARTY) LEAD BY A LION (GASTON BROWNE) WILL DEFEAT A PRIDE OF LIONS (UPP) LEAD BY A SHEEP (JAMALE PRINGLE).”
MALAKA Parker , I have never heard so much CRAP. MALAKA stop singing for you supper. You should be happy that you were given the NOD to the Senate. In a few months you will DUMP JAMALE PRINGLE as you have done in the past. MALAKA the HYPOCRITE.
Pringle and Giselle destroyed the UPP and turn it into a national disgrace and laughing stock. From 6 seats to 1, and Malaka celebrating that backwardness just because of a little Senate appointment???
You may call it “a thorough beating” @ Proud Antiguan.
But with the unprecedented finances available to the ABLP; and the the media propaganda arm from the ever accommodating ABS (aka, Antigua’s answer to America’s FOX News Network). The last General Election was never going to be a level playing field. Fact!
Here’s a great example from the US:
Thomas Massie was odds-on to win a Primary in Kentucky, but because he defied Trump due to the serious allegations from the Epstein files; a record amount of finance and a propaganda media campaign was placed against Massie to oust him.
And it worked in Trump’s favour for now…
Antigua’s next By-election or General Election; finances must be capped, and media coverage should be on an equal footing for all political parties involved.
And then let’s judge it correctly shall we @ Proud Antiguan 🟨
The Honourable Ms Malaka Parker was once again on point with her views 👌🏾
She Malaka Parker knows very well that Pringle na have no head to be Prime Minister….Just going with the flow for now I guess…..
And her comments show that she is NOT awake….
Malaka just glad that Pringle gee she the senate position.
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