Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended the government's drive to elevate festival production standards, insisting the initiative is designed to position Antigua and Barbuda as a competitive regional events destination rather than to disparage local service providers.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne addressed the issue during his weekly radio programme on Saturday, responding to public debate over whether the government should acquire its own sound system for major national events such as Carnival and One Nation.
"We are leveling up. It is not a derogatory term and it is not about being ungrateful to anyone who has provided services in the past," Browne said. "It is about improving standards so that Antigua and Barbuda can compete internationally."
Browne revealed that the government has already purchased a new stage — approximately 119 feet long and more than 60 feet wide — which is expected to arrive within two weeks. The structure will replace the wooden stages traditionally erected at the Recreation Ground. He said the new stage should remain serviceable for more than a decade and prove more cost-effective in the long run.
Addressing objections raised by local sound provider Whitney Williams, Browne said Cabinet has not yet reached a final decision on sound equipment but could proceed with purchasing its own system if local operators fail to submit acceptable proposals.
Browne pointed to the recent Small Island Developing States conference as a case in point, noting that Antigua and Barbuda was forced to import production equipment at a cost exceeding US$1 million because local systems did not meet international technical requirements.
Cabinet is expected to review proposals from local operators in the coming week before determining the next course of action.
