Stonewall Sounds operator Whitney Williams has pushed back against claims that Antigua and Barbuda's current festival sound infrastructure is substandard, even as Prime Minister Gaston Browne continues to defend the government's plan to invest in new audio equipment.
According to Antigua News Room, Williams made his position clear during a public discussion with the Prime Minister, acknowledging that improvements are always possible but rejecting the notion that the existing setup is inadequate.
Despite his defence of the current system, Williams indicated he has no objection to the government proceeding with the purchase of new sound equipment. His comments draw a distinction between opposing an upgrade and accepting the premise that the present infrastructure is failing.
Prime Minister Browne, for his part, maintained his support for the proposed investment, standing by the government's assessment that modernising the country's festival audio capabilities is a worthwhile expenditure.
The exchange highlights a nuanced debate surrounding the planned upgrade — one in which the key stakeholders appear to agree on the value of improvement while differing on the characterisation of the current state of affairs. The discussion reflects broader conversations about how Antigua and Barbuda presents its cultural festivals, which remain a cornerstone of the nation's tourism product and national identity.
