Half a year following the conclusion of Antigua Carnival 2025, a cloud of financial uncertainty hangs over the very artists and creators who formed the backbone of the celebrated event. While memories of the vibrant festivities that ran from July 23 to August 3 linger, numerous participants—including meticulous mask makers, dedicated performers, and tireless bartenders—continue to await compensation for their services.
The Antigua and Barbuda Carnival and Festival Commission, the entity tasked with orchestrating the national celebration, faces mounting criticism for its failure to disburse payments. This pattern of delayed remuneration is not a novel occurrence but rather a chronic issue that has plagued the cultural sector for years, raising serious concerns about the valuation of artistic labor.
Behind the spectacle of breathtaking performances and elaborate costumes lies a stark reality of financial strain. Many creatives, who depend on such events for their livelihood, report significant hardship in meeting basic expenses. The ongoing neglect threatens to undermine the cultural ecosystem, potentially eroding the nation’s artistic heritage and discouraging future participation.
Critics argue that the Commission’s inaction contradicts its mandated mission to promote and preserve local culture. Calls for reform emphasize the urgent need for transparent payment systems and contractual accountability to protect the welfare of cultural contributors. The situation has sparked broader conversations about the economic realities facing artists and the necessary safeguards to ensure the sustainability of cultural traditions.
As public pressure mounts, stakeholders demand immediate rectification of outstanding payments and systemic overhaul to prevent recurrence. The resolution of this dispute carries significant implications for the preservation of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural identity and the professional dignity of its artistic community.