Prime Minister Gaston Browne told a crowd of about 10,000 supporters on Saturday night that opposition leader Jamale Pringle is “not ready yet” to lead Antigua and Barbuda, warning voters against what he described as the risks of changing leadership ahead of the April 30 general election.
“Let us be honest, Jamale Pringle is just not ready yet,” Browne said, before cautioning supporters, “This is not a time… to risk the future of this country with proven failures.”
Addressing one of the largest rallies of the campaign, Browne framed the election as a choice between stability and uncertainty, repeatedly stressing that leadership should be the central consideration for voters.
“This is not a time for you to stand back. This is not a time for you to watch on… this is not a time for you to risk the future of this country,” he said, urging supporters to “stand with certainty, with reliability, and strong leadership.”
Browne contrasted his administration’s record with that of the United Progressive Party (UPP), arguing that internal divisions within the opposition raise doubts about its readiness to govern.
“The UPP is in chaos. They’re divided. They’re struggling for power. They’re literally pulling in different directions… sinking their ship,” he said.
“If they can’t run a party, how can you expect them to run a country?” Browne added.
He also dismissed the opposition’s proposals, claiming they lack proper planning and could destabilise the economy.
“They’re making big promises, but they have no plans. They have not done the math… no analysis to determine affordability, viability, reliability, or sustainability,” he said.
Browne warned that such policies could reverse economic gains, pointing to his administration’s reduction of the national debt.
“We brought down the debt from 110% in 2014 down to 61% today. We’re not going back there,” he said.
He added that an opposition-led government could lead to higher taxes and renewed financial strain.
“They will drive the country into massive debt once again… or they will tax you out of existence… and take you back to the IMF,” Browne said.
Throughout his address, Browne returned to the theme of leadership, urging voters to back what he described as proven governance.
“This is your time… to stand tall with confidence, with pride, and with dignity,” he said.
The rally, which blended political messaging with entertainment, marked a major show of support for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party in the final days of campaigning, as both major parties intensify efforts ahead of polling day.