UPP Launches Monthly Public Consultations on Third-Country Nationals MOU

The United Progressive Party (UPP) will hold its first public consultation on the third-country nationals issue on July 9th, according to Antigua Observer. The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Moravian Conference Hall at Cashew Hill.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle said the venue was changed from the originally planned Freedom Hall due to unavailability. He is encouraging members of the public to attend and participate.

"It was originally scheduled for Freedom Hall but that space is unavailable so we have moved it to the Moravian Conference Hall at Cashew Hill and we're inviting the general public to come out and to express your concerns and ask your questions," Pringle said.

The July 9th session will be the first in a series of monthly consultations the party plans to conduct across the country. Pringle described the format as interactive, giving citizens a direct opportunity to raise concerns through a question-and-answer session.

He acknowledged that the party has not yet adequately engaged the people it seeks to represent on the matter, and said the consultations are designed to close that gap.

"We're going to have more dialogue because this consultation is only the first of many more to come, because we believe at least once per month, somewhere in Antigua and Barbuda, the United Progressive Party should be consulting with the people on various matters," Pringle said.

Pringle noted that the discussions are intended to help shape the UPP's formal position ahead of any parliamentary debate on the third-country nationals issue.

The consultations come as the Gaston Browne administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States, under which Antigua and Barbuda would receive individuals rejected by the US government.

Separately, Pringle said the party is also focused on growing its membership base, urging supporters to take a more formal role in the organisation.

"We're ensuring that we continue to reach out to individuals and continue to grow membership. We're calling on supporters to upgrade from supporting status to becoming a member of the esteemed organization," he said.