OPPOSITION LEADER EJECTED FROM PARLIAMENTARY SITTING AS SPEAKER FLAYS HIM FOR ‘RUDENESS’

A heated clash in the House of Representatives Friday ended with Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle being ordered out of the chamber.

The dramatic sequence of events came during debate on the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026.

The bill was piloted by Creative Industries Minister Daryll Matthew, who said it is designed to create a clearer legal, administrative and financial structure for the management of Carnival and the One Nation Festival.

However, when the opposition leader rose to make his contribution, he argued the bill does not properly address long-standing concerns about accountability, record-keeping and the handling of funds within the festivals system.

Pringle then read extensively from what he said is a report from the permanent secretary, making allegations about payments, ticket revenue and financial management.

Government members objected, saying he was making serious claims from a document that was not circulated to the house.

Pringle said he sent the document to the clerk and even moved for an adjournment so it can be printed.

As the back and forth deepened, pringle accused Speaker of the House Osbert Frederick of being unfair.

After the speaker said he had given Pringle enough leeway, the opposition leader continued shouting across the floor and accused members on the government side of corruption.

The Sergeant at Arms was shortly afterward instructed to remove him, whereupon he gathered the items from his desk stormed out of the chamber in a huff.