Jamale Pringle officially became Antigua and Barbuda’s Leader of the Opposition during a ceremony at Government House on Monday.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams carried out the appointment and described the role as vital to democracy.

During the ceremony, Pringle took the Oath of Allegiance, the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy.

He then formally assumed the constitutional position of Opposition Leader.

Meanwhile, Sir Rodney stressed the importance of the office within the country’s parliamentary system.

“It is not merely political in nature, it is also constitutional in purpose,” Sir Rodney said.

Additionally, the Governor General said the Opposition plays a key role in national governance.

He explained that the office helps ensure accountability, balance and constructive debate in Parliament.

Furthermore, Sir Rodney said democracy depends on more than elections alone.

“Our democracy is strengthened not only by elections, but by strong institutions,” he stated.

Pringle’s appointment followed the general election held on 30th April.

The election resulted in only two non-government members winning seats in the House of Representatives.

Those members were Pringle of the United Progressive Party and Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People’s Movement.

Sir Rodney said the appointment followed Section 79(2) of the Constitution.

That section guides the Governor General in selecting the parliamentary Opposition Leader.

According to Sir Rodney, the Constitution requires the appointment of the member most likely to gain majority opposition support.

However, when no majority exists, the Constitution allows the appointment of the member leading the largest opposition group.

As a result, Sir Rodney selected Pringle for the constitutional role.

The Governor General said the decision reflected the UPP’s national political presence and electoral support.

He also noted that Pringle received significantly more votes in his constituency than the other opposition member.

Therefore, Sir Rodney said the appointment aligned with constitutional principles and democratic representation.

Meanwhile, the Governor General also acknowledged Trevor Walker and the Barbuda People’s Movement.

He praised Walker’s continued representation of Barbuda and his contribution to national democracy.

Supporters of the UPP welcomed the appointment shortly after the ceremony ended.

Jamale Pringle now takes on the responsibility of leading the parliamentary Opposition during the new political term in Antigua and Barbuda.