Police have asked Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle to report for questioning at 10 a.m. today, Boxing Day, as part of an investigation into the destruction of Antigua Public Utilities Authority telecommunications equipment at Morris Bay in Old Road.

The damaged materials were linked to preparatory work on a subsea cable project, and their destruction has prompted a police probe. Authorities have stressed that the request for questioning does not amount to an arrest.

Under Antigua and Barbuda’s Constitution, anyone detained must be brought before a court within 48 hours, excluding Sundays and public holidays. With Boxing Day a public holiday followed by a weekend, any detention could extend into next week.

Pringle, the MP for All Saints East and St. Luke, has described the move as politically motivated. The United Progressive Party has also criticised the process, warning it could deepen political divisions and undermine public confidence if seen as partisan.