PM Gaston Browne sharply criticised Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and opposition senators after Tuesday’s parliamentary walkout.

The dispute happened during the joint sitting of Parliament. Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant ruled that Pringle could not participate.

Officials said Pringle had not taken the required oath of allegiance. As a result, he could not legally remain in the chamber.

Pringle later walked out of the sitting. Afterwards, four opposition senators also left the chamber.

Speaking after the Speech from the Throne, Browne defended the decision. He said the Constitution clearly outlines the rules.

“The Constitution is the ultimate authority,” Browne said.

“And if it is unconstitutional, it is not permissible,” he added.

Browne accused the opposition of knowingly ignoring constitutional requirements. He also said opposition members already understood the rules.

“They have accepted that the constitutional provisions are such that each member who participates in these formal proceedings must have taken the oath,” Browne said.

According to Browne, Pringle missed the chance to take the oath before the sitting. Therefore, officials could not allow him to participate.

The Prime Minister also mentioned Barbuda MP, Trevor Walker. Browne said Walker stayed absent because he understood the constitutional requirement.

“Now they have to wait until the next sitting,” Browne said.

He explained that the oath of allegiance must first appear on the agenda. Afterwards, members can formally participate.

Meanwhile, Browne rejected claims of unfair treatment toward the opposition. He said parliamentary officials tried handling the issue privately.

“They spoke to him privately before the Parliament because they didn’t want to embarrass him publicly,” Browne said.

“He refused to cooperate,” he added.

Browne also criticised the opposition’s response after the ruling. He described the walkout as politically immature and irresponsible.

“So, you know, this lack of cooperation is just ridiculous,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister also urged the opposition to “learn to pick their fights.” He argued the protest exposed weak parliamentary leadership.

In addition, Browne directly criticised Pringle’s handling of the situation. He described the Opposition Leader’s actions as poor leadership.

“And that is just poor leadership,” Browne said.

The parliamentary dispute has since sparked political debate across Antigua and Barbuda. However, Browne insists officials simply followed constitutional procedures.