The annual panorama competition, a highlight of Antigua’s carnival celebrations, has been cancelled following unsuccessful negotiations between the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission and the Antigua Barbuda Pan Association (ABPA).
The dispute centred on funding, with the ABPA seeking to increase their financial allocation from $300,000 in 2023 to $400,000 this year. The Festivals Commission, however, maintained their offer from the previous year.
In an attempt to resolve the impasse, the Commission issued an ultimatum to the ABPA: sign the carnival contract for $300,000 or face event cancellation. Despite setting three deadlines, the last being midday today, no agreement was reached.
The Commission expressed regret over the cancellation in a public statement, acknowledging the disappointment this may cause.
However, they stated: “to ensure that our youth, who are keen to exhibit their talents are not overlooked we will initiate discussions with individual bands to explore the possibility of their participation in a carnival event.”
The pan contest was to take place on August 3 but the Carnival will now have to be updated to reflect this latest development,
Source: Antigua’s Panorama competition cancelled amid funding dispute | Loop Caribbean News
