The prime minister has spent some time addressing the issue where the Development Control Authority forcibly removed a tent and other structures from Morris Bay beach which were erected and operated by the Opposition Leader, Jamale Pringle.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne show on Saturday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he took an oath to uphold the laws of Antigua and Barbuda and while he holds the position of prime minister he has a responsibility to ensure that law and order are maintained at all times.
PM Browne noted that while affirming himself as a man of peace, he made clear it that he would not hesitate to deploy law enforcement, riot police, or the Defence Force if necessary to maintain public order.
The Prime Minister warned that continued incitement and threats would force decisive action. He stressed that his constitutional duty is to uphold the law, protect the peace, and safeguard national stability. Any individual who resists law enforcement or instigates violence, he said, would bear full responsibility for the consequences.
Drawing parallels to previous protests at Carlisle Bay, he warned that such tactics would not be tolerated again. Declaring his resolve, he stated firmly that he would take whatever lawful measures were necessary to maintain order, emphasizing that economic growth and national development cannot coexist with chaos and confusion.
He specifically cautioned residents of Old Road not to follow what he described as reckless leadership, asserting that the actions taken were not in defense of human rights or social justice, but rather an attempt to preserve illegality for political relevance.
“I am not (former Prime Minister) Lester Bird. I will not be afraid to take decisive action to preserve law and order,” PM Browne declared.
He also made reference to a fire in the area noting that he has some suspicions about its origins.
The matter had to do with a letter that DCA sent to MP Pringle asking that he remove the illegal structure from Morris Bay beach. Rather than comply, the opposition leader, adopted an aggressive posture and public refused to remove the structure. After he failed to act by the deadline set by DCA, the authority mobilized heavy duty equipment and had them removed.
Threats, Public Order, and National Stability
The Prime Minister addressed threats allegedly made by Pringle, stating unequivocally that he would not allow Antigua and Barbuda to descend into chaos. He rejected false claims that Morris Bay had been transferred to NAMCO, stating clearly that the land remains Crown land and public property, with no private development planned. The only objective, he said, is to control illegal vendor expansion and protect public access.
Responsibility, Accountability, and Incitement
Referencing a subsequent fire incident, the Prime Minister stated that Pringle must accept responsibility, either directly or through incitement. He expressed surprise that Pringle had not yet been summoned by law enforcement, urging authorities to act decisively to prevent further unrest.
