The United Progressive Party (UPP) has pledged to tackle the rising cost of living, ongoing water shortages and infrastructure challenges facing people in Antigua and Barbuda if elected to office.

Speaking at the party’s campaign launch on April 12, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle urged supporters and voters to reflect on how their lives have changed under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.

He questioned whether promises made by the current administration had been fulfilled, arguing that some have either failed to materialise or have made life more difficult for citizens.

Pringle said many families are struggling with higher grocery bills, noting that EC$100 no longer stretches as far as it once did.

He also highlighted persistent water issues, with some households reportedly receiving only a few hours of supply in the early morning.

“I stand before you with a message — not of promises, but of a plan. Not of slogans, but solutions. It’s time for a government that works for you, the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.

He added that a UPP government would remove taxes and mark-ups on a redesigned basket of essential goods from its first day in office.

“In our Antigua and Barbuda, survival comes before revenue. Feeding the people comes before feeding the treasury,” Pringle stated.

To address food security, he said the party plans to revitalise the Central Marketing Corporation to boost local production. Farmers would also receive tax breaks to help offset the cost of seeds, fertiliser and other inputs.

The UPP is also proposing the removal of import duties on vehicles for private use.

Pringle said the party would expand the popular “dollar barrel” initiative beyond the Christmas period, with plans to offer it twice yearly — from June to July and again from December to January.

On infrastructure, he announced plans for a community road rehabilitation programme, including the use of recycled tyres from the landfill in road repairs.

He also said a UPP administration would review the EC$100 million loan secured for roadworks and establish an independent commission to ensure the funds are used transparently and not diverted to contractors or political affiliates.