Prime Minister Gaston Browne has strongly criticised Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle over his conduct during Thursday’s sitting of Parliament, which included his removal from the chamber and controversial remarks about retiring MP Sir Molwyn Joseph.

In a post on social media, Browne condemned Pringle’s overall behaviour, linking both his actions in the House and his comments during tributes.

“If anyone had any doubt that Jamale Pringle (Leader of the Opposition) is an incompetent, ignorant, hot mess — today’s despicable tribute in Parliament is full confirmation,” Browne wrote.

Tensions escalated in the Lower House after Pringle was ejected by Speaker Osbert Frederick during proceedings. The sitting later turned contentious when Pringle delivered a sharply critical assessment of Joseph’s tenure, departing from the customary tone of parliamentary tributes.

His remarks prompted protests from government MPs, with several staging a brief walkout in objection to what they described as disrespectful conduct during a tribute session.

Parliamentary tributes are typically moments of bipartisan recognition, particularly for long-serving members. Joseph, the MP for St. Mary’s North, is retiring after decades in public office, having served in multiple senior ministerial roles.

The incident has further heightened political tensions between the government and opposition in the House.