Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has accused Prime Minister Gaston Browne of using state agencies to intimidate political opponents, warning that democracy in Antigua and Barbuda is under threat.
In a New Year’s statement, Mr Pringle said the Prime Minister had abandoned dialogue in favour of what he described as hostility and intimidation, claiming the country was drifting towards authoritarian rule.
His remarks follow events in Morris Bay, where a tent owned by Mr Pringle’s family was demolished by the Development Control Authority for alleged illegal construction.
Less than a day later, a nearby infrastructure project being carried out by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority was destroyed by fire. Police are investigating the blaze and have questioned the opposition leader.
Mr Pringle said the sequence of events was politically motivated and part of a wider campaign of “bullying and retaliation” against critics of the government. He warned that freedom of expression and political dissent were being eroded, deepening national divisions.
The government has rejected such claims, maintaining that regulatory enforcement and police investigations are lawful, independent and free from political interference.
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne talked about “unity” in his New Years address to the nation.
However, the Most Honourable Jamal Pringle is right to say that is right to accuse Browne “of intimidation and the abuse of State power”.
This isn’t “unity”, far from it.
Our Prime Minister sees the opposition as some sort of enemy to destroy through either litigation, police intimidation or destruction of property.
Browne comes over more like a school yard bully than a political statesman.
In business, I don’t always get on with my rivals, but I understand the need for good conduct and a professional outlook.
Browne’s politics should be conducted in the same manner and with the utmost respect for those who have also worked hard to achieve similar political status.
To the layperson his hard a#se approach is utterly embarrassing.
Are these politicians stupid or really stupid..you was the one that dared the government to move your tent.. and with your statement you unknowingly too yourself gave the impression too who ever has a grievance with the government or don’t support the government will act on your comment..”Move it and see Wa happen”those words caused everything and now you’re saying it’s unfair! Make it make sense
This feels like politics on both sides. Accusations, counter-accusations, and no hard proof yet.
Why not address the claims fully in a transparent public forum instead of going straight to lawsuits?
@Anonymous
WELL SAID 👏 👏 👏
Now the crybaby a cry wolf
@Tromaos.
Of course you have a very valid point, but talking and acting is two different things. The power is in the hands of the government, who has the lethal power of the police on their sides, and it is very dangerous in any society to abuse that power.
There are many examples around the world where injustice and inhumane actions have been taken out by the government in power against people who merely speak against them.
Is that what you want Antigua to become?
Remember that Mr Pringle is not just a sitting MP, he is a human being as well, and if today he was to lose his seat in parliament, he would just be a regular person like you and I.
So imagine that this is happening to him, what do you think can happen to regular folks like me and you.
Politics yes, but mind what your heart desire sir. Be very careful.
Yes it’s was abuse of power, and it cannot be called anything else. We a trending in murky waters here sir, very murky.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing”.
The quote doesn’t say, for any man, it says for ” good men”.
Walk good sir.
@anonymous.
So if someone dare you to shoot them, you will turn around and shoot the person?
You are as ignorant as the person who dared you. So who is stupid now? Don’t answer that, it’s just a retorical question.
Real dumbo you are trying to sound intelligent.
When a woman carries a man’s child, it doesn’t constitute marrying her. Some relationships work out better that way. Some allyo women are well dressed devils, in church clothes too! Leave the man alone.
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