Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has acknowledged challenges within the United Progressive Party while insisting that efforts are being made to offer Antigua and Barbuda a credible alternative government.

Speaking on Observer Radio’s The Voice of the People on Thursday, Pringle was responding to a caller who criticised internal divisions and questioned whether the party was presenting convincing solutions to the country’s problems.

The caller alleged that some party members did not support Pringle’s leadership and argued that infighting was weakening the UPP’s appeal.

“We all can agree that every organization has challenges,” Pringle said.

“There are people who supported one individual or another. Things didn’t work out, it doesn’t mean that they’re going to automatically support you.”

Pringle said the party was working to offer the public an alternative, pointing to relief policies it had previously announced.

He recalled a pledge made while Harold Lovell was leader to reduce vehicle licensing fees by 50%, saying the party had examined the figures and believed increased vehicle numbers would allow expenses to be covered.

He also cited plans to remove ABST and other charges from water pumps and tanks to make them more affordable and help households access water.

On fuel, Pringle said the UPP had advocated linking local prices to the international market so consumers would benefit when costs fell.

“When it goes up you see it, and when it goes down the savings passed on to the people,” he said.

Pringle argued that passing savings to consumers whenever possible would put a government in a stronger position to ask the public to bear unavoidable increases.

His response focused on the party’s policy record and relief proposals rather than detailing specific measures to resolve its internal disagreements.

Source: Antigua News Room Pringle Responds to UPP Infighting Criticism, Says Party Working to Offer Alternative.