As organizers ramp up advance planning for Antigua and Barbuda’s highly anticipated 2026 Carnival, the head of the nation’s official Festivals Commission is pushing for greater engagement from both everyday residents and the local business community to make the iconic cultural celebration a resounding success.
Elizabeth Makhoul, who chairs the Commission, laid out her vision for expanded participation during a recent interview on WTP Media’s popular daily talk show *Morning with Sly J*. She emphasized that the unique energy and joyful excitement that define Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival do not stem from passive observation, but from the active involvement of the entire community.
Makhoul encouraged all local residents to step beyond casual spectatorship and throw their support behind the islands’ homegrown creative talent. This includes showing up to attend public events headlined by established calypsonians, rising soca music stars, and the next generation of young junior performers who carry forward the islands’ Carnival traditions.
Beyond public participation, Makhoul also issued a targeted call to local radio and television broadcasters, challenging media outlets to increase their support for the islands’ cultural ecosystem by expanding promotion of Antiguan and Barbudan original music. She proposed that stations carve out dedicated regular programming slots to showcase both established local artistes and emerging young performers, giving them greater visibility and opportunities to connect with audiences.
For the private sector, Makhoul highlighted the critical role that local businesses can play in safeguarding Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural heritage for future generations. She urged companies to step up with tangible support, from sponsoring individual creative talents and partnering with local school cultural programs to making strategic investments in long-term cultural initiatives that sustain Carnival and related traditions year-round.