In an unprecedented show of unity, Belize’s carnival band leaders have publicly denounced the Belize Carnival Association (BCA), accusing it of systemic mismanagement and chronic disrespect. During a charged press conference on February 20, 2026, representatives from major bands including Titans Mass Band, Belizean Jewels, and Soca Moca presented a comprehensive list of grievances that have been mounting for years.
The core allegations center on a severe lack of financial transparency and accountability. Band leaders revealed that prize money distribution remains opaque, with winners receiving undifferentiated checks that provide no breakdown for specific competition categories like King, Queen, or Road March. Remarkably, the total prize pool has stagnated at $10,000 for nearly thirty years, despite individual bands now investing over $100,000 annually in their productions.
Non-competing bands highlighted their particular marginalization, noting they pay substantial participation fees yet receive minimal support in security, logistical guidance, or recognition of their contributions to the festival’s success. ‘We deploy three to four trucks and make significant investments that fundamentally shape the carnival experience,’ one leader stated. ‘Yet our right to understand the distinction between competing and non-competing status remains ignored.’
The criticism extends beyond financial matters to encompass fundamental governance failures. Multiple leaders reported never participating in association elections despite years of involvement, with one representative noting active participation since 2016 without ever casting a vote. Others described arbitrary disqualifications, broken promises regarding prizes, and consistently poor communication from association leadership.
In a significant escalation, the coalition disclosed they have sought legal counsel and drafted a formal letter declaring no confidence in the current BCA leadership. This demand for new representation was reportedly dismissed as invalid by the association. The press conference concluded with a unified call for the entire committee to step aside, making way for leadership that can restore transparency, respect, and proper governance to Belize’s premier cultural celebration.
News 5 has initiated contact with the Belize Carnival Association seeking their official response to these allegations.









