BREAKING: Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant ordered Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle out of Tuesday’s joint sitting of Parliament.

The dispute involved the oath of allegiance requirement. Officials said Pringle had not taken the required constitutional oath.

The issue surfaced shortly after proceedings began. As a result, the sitting started late.

Williams-Grant apologised to members and invited guests before addressing the issue publicly. She said officials raised the matter privately before the sitting.

“It was drawn to my attention while I was in the Chamber that there is a Member in the House who has not taken the oath of allegiance,” Williams-Grant said.

However, she said Pringle still entered the chamber. Therefore, she made a formal ruling during the sitting.

Williams-Grant reminded members about constitutional requirements governing Parliament. She said members cannot participate before taking the oath.

“I’m asking the honourable gentleman to remove himself from these proceedings this morning in this House,” she said.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin supported the ruling during the debate. He said the Constitution clearly outlines the oath requirement.

Benjamin explained that participating members had already taken the oath. Therefore, members without the oath could not legally participate.

“Those two Members will not be able to take part in any proceedings in this House… until the oath is overtaken,” Benjamin said.

Meanwhile, the dispute quickly created tension inside Parliament. Opposition senators later left the chamber with Pringle.

Pringle quietly exited Parliament following the ruling. The opposition senators accompanied him during the walkout.

The incident sparked political discussion across Antigua and Barbuda. However, parliamentary officials insisted they simply followed constitutional rules.

Officials also maintained that participation requires the oath of allegiance first. The constitutional dispute continues drawing national attention after Tuesday’s joint sitting.