Malaka Parker Says Pringle’s Victory Shows Antiguans and Barbudans “Are Still Awake”

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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