Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle reported to Police Headquarters on Boxing Day, where he was questioned in connection with an ongoing investigation into the burning of materials belonging to the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) at Old Road.
Pringle’s appearance followed an invitation issued by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to assist with investigations into the malicious damage to APUA property. He was not arrested, and no charges were announced following the questioning.
According to a statement issued by the Police Administration, discussions were held between the Leader of the Opposition and Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers, during which Pringle indicated he would be available to assist the investigation on Friday, December 26, at 10:00 a.m. That arrangement was communicated to his attorney, who agreed to the time and assured that they would attend Police Headquarters as requested. The Police Administration stated that the purpose of the invitation was to obtain information relevant to the ongoing investigation. Police further expressed dissatisfaction with public statements made by Pringle after the agreement, noting that those statements were contrary to what had been discussed and agreed.
The police response followed a statement circulated earlier by the United Progressive Party, which accused the police of acting under political influence and claimed the invitation was issued at the direction of Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The opposition characterized the matter as political persecution and called on supporters to mobilize publicly under the banner “Freedom Day.”
In its statement, the Police Administration reaffirmed its commitment to act in the best interests of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. The public was reminded that the laws of Antigua and Barbuda must be respected at all times, and that the police will continue to perform their duties with professionalism, fairness, and impartiality.
The fire at Old Road, which destroyed APUA materials related to ongoing work, remains under investigation. Police have maintained that invitations and summonses issued during investigations do not constitute arrests and are routine parts of the information-gathering process in criminal inquiries involving damage to public property.
