Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has questioned the democratic example Antigua and Barbuda is setting as host of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, accusing Prime Minister Gaston Browne of undermining institutions that should operate without political interference.
Speaking at “The People’s Message to the CHOGM Delegates,” a forum organised by the United Progressive Party and Barbuda People’s Movement, Pringle argued that welcoming Commonwealth leaders carries a responsibility to uphold democratic principles at home.
“All the countries of the Commonwealth believe in democracy. But how can the host be the one trampling on democracy?” he asked.
Pringle raised concerns about the prime minister’s statements concerning the judiciary and public officers, including permanent secretaries. He argued that such remarks carry weight beyond domestic politics, particularly while the country hosts an international gathering.
He said citizens must be able to trust that court decisions are based on the law and free from political intimidation.
Pringle also warned against becoming accustomed to controversial statements from political leaders or dismissing them as simply part of a leader’s personality.
He said elected officials exercise power on behalf of citizens and must be held accountable for their conduct and management of public resources.
“We have to ensure that when we elect a government, the leader and every member of that government must understand that the power lies within the people and not with them as politicians,” he said.
Pringle called on parliamentarians to speak out against wrongdoing, arguing that colleagues within government should be willing to challenge a leader when necessary.
In his closing remarks, he renewed the UPP’s call for Browne to withdraw a reported threat to deport a judge over judicial decisions and provide a public assurance that executive powers would not be used to intimidate or punish judicial officers for their lawful work.
He also called for credible evidence of corruption to be referred to the appropriate authorities, unsupported allegations to be withdrawn, an apology to the judiciary and proper parliamentary scrutiny.
“No prime minister is above the constitution,” Pringle said.
The supplied transcript did not include a response from the prime minister to Pringle’s remarks.
Source: Antigua News Room Opposition questions Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic example as CHOGM host.