Pringle called out the government yesterday after officials removed him from Parliament before the Throne Speech. Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle said leaders could have avoided the situation. He also claimed the government handled the matter poorly.

Shortly after the incident, Pringle spoke on Observer’s Voice of the People. During the interview, he shared frustration over what happened inside the chamber.

Pringle said he expected officials to swear him in during yesterday’s sitting. Earlier, he missed the first post-election session because he travelled overseas with his daughter for an emergency medical matter.

However, he rejected claims that he caused unnecessary disruption inside Parliament.

Instead, Pringle showed documents proving Parliament summoned him to attend the sitting. He explained that parliamentarians attend sessions after receiving official notices.

According to Pringle, the summons carried the date May 14, 2026. Officials instructed him to arrive at the Parliament building on Queen Elizabeth Highway at 8:45 a.m.

Additionally, Pringle stressed that a summons requires attendance. Therefore, he prepared himself for normal parliamentary business.

He said he arrived at the compound at 8:25 a.m. to allow extra time before proceedings started. After entering the chamber, he sat quietly for nearly an hour.

Later, the Sergeant-at-Arms approached him and requested a private meeting with Senate President Alicia Williams-Grant.

During that meeting, Williams-Grant informed Pringle that he had not yet taken the oath of allegiance. Because of that, she said he could not remain seated in the chamber.

Still, Pringle argued that leaders could have solved the matter publicly inside Parliament. He said the people of Antigua and Barbuda deserved a clear explanation.

Furthermore, he said officials had enough time to administer the oath before the Governor-General arrived. He also noted that Order papers usually include time for swearing in members before regular business begins.

Pringle claimed the incident exposed poor preparation from the government bench. He added that Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin appeared confused during the dispute.

Ultimately, Pringle described the confrontation as unnecessary and completely preventable.