SOURCE DAILY OBSERVER: The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Honorable Jamale Pringle, has firmly rejected allegations from the Prime Minister’s office that the (UPP) is colluding with Russian entities regarding the controversial Alfa Nero matter.
During an interview on Observer AM yesterday, Pringle characterized the accusations as diversionary tactics designed to shift public attention away from more serious concerns.
“The idea of the Prime Minister putting it out there that the Opposition is colluding with foreign entities to smear the name of Antigua and Barbuda is nothing but dishonesty and deflection from what has actually happened,” he stated.
Pringle pointed to recent legal developments as the real issue at hand. “This is a red herring to distract the people from the fact that the personal financial records of the Prime Minister, his wife, and his son have been subpoenaed in a US federal court,” he said.
Pringle raised questions about the selective nature of the government’s accusations, noting that investigators reportedly spoke with Cabinet members as well as Opposition figures. “I don’t understand how he continues to blame the Opposition for speaking with investigators but says nothing about the investigators who also spoke to his own Cabinet members. Why is it just the Opposition?” Pringle asked.
The Alfa Nero controversy has intensified in recent months, with questions raised about the reported sale of the asset for $40 million. Pringle revealed that he submitted formal parliamentary questions about the matter last October but has yet to receive answers.
“I asked who the buyer is, his nationality, and whether he is a CIP citizen of Antigua and Barbuda,” Pringle explained. “I also requested supporting documentation for the stated payment of $40 million, how the payment was made, where it was deposited, and the use to which these funds were put.”
Another point of contention is the government’s decision to use taxpayer funds to finance legal representation for individuals named in the US federal court case. Pringle expressed strong opposition to this arrangement.
“I am against it, and the United Progressive Party is totally against it,” he declared. “If the Cabinet admitted that the government itself is not named in that lawsuit, I cannot understand how taxpayers are responsible to foot that bill.”
The UPP Leader also rejected assertions that the party is damaging Antigua and Barbuda’s international reputation, arguing instead that the UPP has a track record of enhancing the nation’s standing.
“When the UPP took over in 2004, we spent the majority of our time in office changing the image of Antigua and Barbuda from a corrupt nation to a nation worthy of doing business with,” Pringle said. “It’s not the Opposition that is smearing the name of Antigua and Barbuda; it’s the actions of the government.”
Pringle cited several unresolved controversies that he believes have damaged the country’s reputation, including “the Antigua Airways scandal, the disappearance of the West Africans scandal, the Global Bank of Commerce scandal, and the Odebrecht scandal”.
When asked if the Prime Minister should resign over the Alfa Nero matter, Pringle was resolute.
“Every outing regarding this Alfa Nero matter shows that the Prime Minister himself is seriously worried about this, and if there’s nothing untoward, I don’t see why all the charade and PR for this is necessary,” he said.
While the government is yet to respond to Pringle’s latest comments, the Prime Minister’s Office previously stated that all actions related to the Alfa Nero matter were conducted legally and transparently.
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Pringle next time let D. Gisele write a nice speech for you
Prime minister in waiting
Pringle it is clear that all the information filed in the US court was provided by members of the opposition
40 million PAID, 40 MILLION SPENT, can someone explain to me what the controversy is?
The guy does have a point
His response is as empty as his brain
🤣🤣🤣
This is a very lazy article, it lacks so much information
Pringle why not let de jezebel affix its signature to this tirade of nonsense that clearly bears its trademark.? What do you know?
He didn’t answer Pringle’s questions in Parliment maybe because he thinks you’re beneath him, but he has to answer now to US courts. He didn’t answer Assot’s questions about where is sudden wealth came from now he has to answer US courts. You f’er you be sure what’s done in darkness will come to light.
If UPP giving information good ,let this country burn to purify it. Social gone up, eggs gone up, 17%tax on everything, vehicle road tax gone up, CIP running a mockry, no enquiry into the African saga and every ficking this opposition! Opposition! Man give me a break. You sweating in your draws yet? You Gaston put Antigua in this situation
You read it here first:
D. Gisele Isaacs do not write Pringles speeches.
You will be surprised when it’s disclosed. Not time yet.