United Progressive Party Jamale Pringle has unveiled plans for a major sports and entertainment complex while outlining broader promises aimed at youth development and economic opportunity, as the election campaign intensifies.
Addressing supporters at a rally, Pringle said a future United Progressive Party government would construct the Sir Vivian Richards Sports and Entertainment Complex at North Sound, describing it as a flagship project for his first term.
“I give you my commitment… I give you my promise. We will do it again,” Pringle told the crowd, pointing to the party’s past role in delivering the existing cricket stadium.
The proposed development would include an 8,000-seat football stadium, a 5,000-seat indoor arena for sports such as basketball and netball, a track and field facility, and an aquatic centre for competitive swimmers.
Pringle said the project is intended to address longstanding gaps in infrastructure for young athletes and creatives, arguing that many Antiguans have been forced to pursue opportunities overseas due to limited local facilities.
“For too long, our young sportsmen and women have demonstrated their talent but have not had the facilities to take them to the next level,” he said.
Beyond sports, the complex would also include spaces for music, drama and other creative arts, with Pringle positioning it as a hub for entertainment and cultural expression.
He linked the initiative to wider changes in the job market, noting that younger generations are increasingly pursuing careers in sports, entertainment and emerging industries rather than traditional employment.
“School leavers are looking for different opportunities… including in entertainment and in sports,” he said, adding that investment in such sectors is critical as artificial intelligence reshapes the global workforce.
Pringle also pledged that the project would help position Antigua and Barbuda as a regional centre for sports tourism, capable of hosting major events and attracting international scouts and investors.
“We will make Antigua and Barbuda into the centre of Caribbean sports tourism,” he said.
The opposition leader used the platform to criticise the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on previous commitments, including the construction of an aquatic centre.
At the same time, he urged supporters to mobilise ahead of polling day, calling on voters to ensure their registration is up to date and to turn out early.
The rally formed part of the UPP’s broader campaign push ahead of the April 30 general election, with Pringle framing the party’s platform around youth empowerment, infrastructure development and economic diversification.