— Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Friday accused opposition figures Jamale Pringle and Harold Lovell of being linked to the circulation of what he described as “clandestine” campaign material targeting LGBTQ voters ahead of the general election.
In a social media post, Browne wrote: “Comrade Washie, Stansha et al; look at what Pringle and Lovell are circulating clandestinely. Calling upon all ma LGBTQIA peeps to drive your vote in dem neck on Election Day.”
The post featured a brightly coloured graphic showing two men kissing, styled to resemble Browne and Kendra Beazer. The image appears to be digitally created rather than a real photograph.
Set against a rainbow backdrop with heart symbols, the graphic includes prominent slogans such as “LOVE & UNITY BRING US TOGETHER” and “Make Room for Everyone in Barbuda.” Additional text promotes support for same-sex marriage in churches and calls for unity “as one family under God,” ending with the line: “Barbuda welcome everyone, all a we is family!”
Browne did not provide evidence in the post to support his claim that the material originated from or was being distributed by opposition figures.
There was no immediate response from Pringle or Lovell to the allegation.
The emergence of the image and Browne’s comments come as campaigning intensifies ahead of the election, with parties seeking to mobilise support across key voter groups.
Issues surrounding LGBTQ rights, including same-sex marriage, remain sensitive in Antigua and Barbuda, where public opinion is often divided and political actors have historically approached the topic cautiously.
It was not immediately clear who created the image or how widely it has been circulated beyond social media platforms.
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