A new chapter of cultural event development has begun in Antigua and Barbuda, as the newly formalized Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has officially taken office for a fresh two-year mandate. The inauguration marks a landmark shift for the country’s creative and cultural sectors, built on recently passed national legislation designed to reinforce governance of the island nation’s growing festival and events ecosystem.
At the head of the restructured commission is Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, a leader with three years of prior experience chairing the former Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Board. Her elevation to the top role of the new commission reflects widespread confidence in her proven leadership, deep institutional expertise, and longstanding dedication to elevating Antigua and Barbuda’s profile as a destination for world-class cultural events. Supporting Makhoul are a carefully assembled team of industry professionals and community representatives: Ryan Johnson serves as Deputy Chairperson, Larissa Barnes takes on the position of Recording Secretary, and additional commission members include Annette Aflak, Khan Cordice, Yvonne Benjamin, Dwayne Mussington, Anika Davis, Okera Lee, Terrance Dyett, Devon Perry, and Calbert Francis.
In remarks following the swearing-in ceremony, Dwayne George, Minister of Sports and the Creative Industries, extended official congratulations to the newly appointed body and emphasized the transformative impact of the new legislative foundation. George framed the inauguration as far more than a routine leadership change, noting that it opens a completely new era for festival growth across Antigua and Barbuda. “The new legislation provides a stronger foundation for governance, accountability, and strategic growth, ensuring that our festivals continue to deliver cultural, social, and economic benefits for our people,” he explained, adding that the government looks forward to collaborating with the commission to elevate iconic events including Antigua Carnival alongside all national cultural festivals to new levels of global recognition.
For her part, Makhoul expressed sincere gratitude for the trust placed in her and the full commission, and laid out the body’s core priorities for the coming term. Building on the progress achieved in recent years, the commission will center its work on strengthening existing festival offerings, expanding support for local creative workers, and delivering immersive, unforgettable experiences for both domestic audiences and international visitors. “With the support of our stakeholders, sponsors, volunteers, and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, we will continue to build a sustainable and internationally competitive festival product,” Makhoul stated, affirming the team’s shared commitment to advancing the nation’s cultural and creative industries as a core driver of national prosperity.