Pringle asserts that Antigua and Barbuda is still a democracy and the struggles of the ancestors must be our political guide

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says “democracy is one of the
pillars of our existence,” and encourages the Nation to continue
embracing it, some 42 years after Antigua and Barbuda gained
political independence from England.

Pringle made this call in his 2023 Independence Day message.
 
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Embracing the Legacy, Shaping the
Future,” the Opposition leader says we should always keep in our
minds and hearts those who went before us and fought for the
legacies we are now being asked to embrace.
 
Many today believe their fight was in vain, since some modern
leaders are attempting to take away some of the fundamental
freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
 
Some have also opined that, based on certain actions by the
authorities, we seem to be living in a dictatorship.
 
But Pringle says that, after over four decades, we must also
remember how our forefathers played instrumental roles in the
formative years, pre- and post-Independence.  
 
He says that, as a nation, Antiguans and Barbudans, must continue
to remain resolute that our “national pride and love for country still
stand with high esteem.”
 
Pringle says that although we may be small in size when compared
to other islands, the country has accomplished much over these
several years. And, he adds, “the strength of our country depends on
the strength of the people; and, we will forever hold our destiny in
our hands.”
 

He says as a people we continue to place our trust in those whom we
elected to serve and as an MP he will continue to do so at the highest
level.
 
Pringle says that, in spite of the struggles which many face, “as we
move forward together, with hope for and anticipation of better
days, let us make democracy our road to the future.”