Jamale Pringle, Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, called yesterday, September 24, 2020, a dark day in the history of Antigua and Barbuda.
Under debate, at the time, was the Motion on whether the Government should consider Barbuda’s request for secession from the State of Antigua & Barbuda.
Articulating the position of the United Progressive Party, Pringle said he would not support the sister-island’s separation; however, he was sympathetic to the feelings of the Barbudans and blamed Prime Minister Gaston Browne for their situation.
Pringle says the current Labour Party Administration has done everything in its power to frustrate the Barbudans, instead of seeking to carve out a harmonious working relationship.
The Opposition Leader says the Prime Minister and his Government should cease their denigration of Barbudans and stop trying to take their land for the purpose of selling it to private investors.
Pringle says that under a United Progressive Party Administration the people of Barbuda will be treated with dignity, as has been the case in the past
A resolution from the Barbuda Council, requesting that the Executive begin the process for separating the two islands, was sent to the Cabinet Secretary since August 31. In the petition, the body listed a number of reasons for the separation, concluding that the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda is not working in the sister-island’s interest.
Council Secretary Paul Nedd has since complained that the Cabinet has never acknowledged the letter, nor requested a meeting with the Council, but has, instead, chosen to take the matter directly to Parliament.
Debate on the resolution is continuing today, September 25, in the Lower House.
