Pringle Says He Was ‘Forged in Fire,’ Declares UPP Ready to Lead Antigua and Barbuda

Jamale Pringle declared he was “forged in fire” through internal party struggles, public criticism and political uncertainty, telling supporters his leadership has been tested and that the United Progressive Party (UPP) is now “ready from day one” to govern Antigua and Barbuda.

In a sweeping and deeply personal final rally speech delivered on the eve of the April 30 general election, Pringle confronted months of internal division within the UPP and used it as the foundation of his closing argument to voters.

“I stand here as a leader who was forged in fire,” Pringle told a crowd gathered in All Saints.

He then detailed the challenges he said shaped his leadership:

“The fire of standing alone and carrying the weight of this party… the fire of public criticism… the fire of the leadership contest… the fire… of the faction… by people whom you and I once called brother and sister… the fire of building back the confidence of you, the voters, one by one… constituency by constituency.”

Pringle also spoke of repairing internal relationships within the party, saying he was forged by “the fire of rebuilding relations and trust, and most importantly… brotherhood within the party that is called to serve not ourselves… but to serve you, the people of this great nation.”

He argued that those experiences have now prepared both himself and his team for government.

“After all this… the United Progressive Party team of candidates is emerging from the fire,” he said.

Earlier in the speech, Pringle made a direct claim of readiness for office.

“I am honored, and I am proud, and I am humbled to stand here tonight leading the team that is not only qualified, but… ready from day one to lead Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.

Pringle cast the election as a defining national moment, describing it as a choice between two fundamentally different futures.

“We’re standing on the verge of an election — a decision… one that will decide whether Antigua and Barbuda chooses the light of democracy, opportunity, justice and prosperity… or this country continues on its dark path of corruption, self-enrichment and bribery,” he said.

“The choice is yours,” he added. “This is a critical moment in the history of Antigua and Barbuda.”

Pringle also addressed expectations that the UPP would struggle in the election, referencing predictions by Prime Minister Gaston Browne of a sweeping victory.

“He said he was going to sweep the election — 17-9,” Pringle said.

“But I know the people of Antigua and Barbuda… they’re going to send a clear message,” he added, dismissing the forecast as attention-seeking rhetoric.

He argued that the UPP had proven its resilience during the campaign.

“In which Gaston Browne believed we would not even muster a fight… but we are ready for you,” Pringle said, drawing cheers from supporters.

The UPP leader accused the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) of attempting to influence voters through giveaways and intimidation tactics.

“He ridiculed us… they tore down our posters and billboards… they bribed and treated the people with money — electronic food vouchers… gas vouchers… all these giveaways,” Pringle said.

He questioned the timing of such spending.

“I had to wonder if Gaston Browne knows he’s going to lose the election… because why would he try to dry out the treasury before the UPP gets into office?” Pringle said.

A central theme of Pringle’s address was the role of voters, whom he repeatedly told hold ultimate authority.

“The power lies in you,” he said.

“And you should not be afraid to use the power given to you,” he added.

“We are your servants… and when you elect men and women to administer over the affairs of this country, they must answer and report to you, the people,” he said.

He promised a shift in governance style.

“We are offering you a government that works for you… a government that listens to you,” Pringle said.

A significant portion of the speech focused on sports, which Pringle described as a unifying force and a priority under a UPP administration.

“Sport is one area that transcends all other things that divide us,” he said.

“I want to pledge to you… that sports will receive priority under the UPP administration,” he added.

He outlined plans to transform the Mock Pond playing field into a national training facility.

“I have a dream… to transform what we have known into a well thought out sporting facility… a facility for training… for club competition… for development of our talented young people,” he said.

The proposed facility would include “changing rooms, exercise spaces and… parking for families and fans,” he said.

Pringle also proposed a broader national sports development strategy.

“Others will be established around the country depending on the dominant sport in the community,” he said, citing basketball, tennis and football facilities.

He added that the UPP plans to launch “under-20 tournaments and bi-annual parish games… by year three of its first term.”

Pringle said his plans for the Sir Vivian Richards National Sports and Entertainment Complex had already attracted private investment.

“We received our first pledge… a commitment of one million dollars,” he said.

“Two other businessmen jumped on board and pledged another million each,” he added, bringing total commitments to $3 million.

“When you put people first, the benefactors will line up to support,” he said.

Pringle repeatedly contrasted his approach with what he described as self-serving leadership under the current administration.

“We are not about self-enrichment,” he said.

“The resources of state will be used not for our own enrichment purposes… but for the benefit of every Antiguan and Barbudan,” he said.

“We are serious about leading this country… serious about developing this country,” he added.

“There’s no forward movement of Antigua and Barbuda without the people of Barbuda sitting at the table,” he said.

“We believe not in Antigua… we believe in Antigua and Barbuda,” he added.

He formally endorsed all UPP candidates and extended support to Barbuda People’s Movement leader Trevor Walker.

“We are a team, united to serve your interests,” Pringle said.

Closing his address, Pringle issued a direct appeal to voters to deliver a decisive mandate.

“This Monday… it’s a serious mandate,” he said.

“We are ready… Jamal Pringle is ready… the United Progressive Party is ready,” he declared.

“Are you ready?” he asked the crowd.