PM Accuses Richard Lewis of Undermining Pringle’s Leadership

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused United Progressive Party (UPP) member Richard Lewis of deliberately sabotaging Jamale Pringle’s leadership, suggesting that Lewis is engaging in actions designed to embarrass the opposition leader.

Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne alleged that Lewis has prioritized his personal political ambitions over supporting Pringle, leading to further divisions within the already embattled opposition.

“Richard Lewis is on a program to embarrass Pringle,” Browne claimed, pointing to instances during the budget debates where Lewis appeared to overshadow Pringle rather than reinforce his leadership.

“Instead of helping Pringle to look good, he’s out there making him look bad.”

Browne’s comments reflect what he described as a broader failure of the UPP to foster unity and competent leadership within its ranks. He accused Lewis of attempting to outshine Pringle, whom he characterized as lacking the necessary qualifications and training to lead effectively.

The Prime Minister also criticized the quality of the opposition’s contributions during budget debates, describing them as lacking depth and substance. He highlighted Lewis’ focus on the Friesland property lease as an example of sensationalism over fact-based criticism.

Browne explained that the lease arrangement, which includes retrofitting the property for government use, followed standard practice and benefited the public by providing rent-free occupancy for three years. “This is not corruption; this is good governance,” Browne argued, accusing Lewis of misrepresenting the arrangement to score political points.

In addition to targeting Lewis, Browne lamented the opposition’s overall approach to budget discussions, accusing them of failing to conduct thorough research or seek out accurate information.

“At no point in the last decade has anyone in the opposition called the Ministry of Finance for information,” he said, contrasting this with his own time in opposition when he would conduct detailed research to inform his parliamentary presentations.

Browne acknowledged the importance of a strong opposition but argued that the UPP’s internal disunity and reliance on rhetoric weaken its ability to effectively challenge his administration.

“We want a strong opposition to keep us on our toes,” he said. “But when they come with nothing but empty rhetoric, it does a disservice to the people they claim to represent.”

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua! We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.Contact us at [email protected]