Parliament has passed legislation establishing a national body to oversee Antigua and Barbuda's major festivals, with the government aiming to transform cultural events like Carnival into significant economic drivers.
According to Antigua News Room, Minister of Creative Industries Daryll Matthew presented the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026, outlining a vision to move festivals beyond their traditional entertainment focus.
"We're seeking… to turn festivals here in Antigua and Barbuda from events that are mainly only party and fun-oriented to events that [are] economic engines here in the country," Matthew told the House.
The minister also pointed to longstanding structural problems in how festivals have been managed, describing a fragmented system in which planning and execution fall under separate bodies. "You have… an economic engine that is being managed by two different entities," he said, warning that the disconnect has led to inefficiencies. "One group of persons put the plans in place, but have no authority over the persons who are expected to implement these plans."
Under the new legislation, both Carnival and the One Nation Festival will be consolidated under a single commission. "What will happen going forward with the passage of this bill… is that the two largest festivals here in Antigua and Barbuda — Carnival… and the One Nation music festival — will be managed by the newly formed Festivals Commission," Matthew said.
The minister announced that the One Nation Festival is already being expanded, with plans to develop it into a week-long event. "We have now started the transition to take that event into a full-on music festival… the plans are for this event… to transition further into a week-long event," he told lawmakers.
Matthew also cautioned against underestimating the complexity of managing large-scale cultural events. "It is not as straightforward as printing a flyer… and posting it on social media. There is a lot of expertise that has to go into ensuring [events] are done… successfully," he said.
The bill establishes a 13-member board drawing on expertise in finance, marketing, tourism, media and event management, supported by a chief executive officer responsible for day-to-day operations.
Financial oversight featured prominently in the minister's remarks. Noting that Carnival spending runs to approximately $5 to $6 million, Matthew stressed the importance of accountability. "It is important that the money is properly accounted for… and properly managed," he said. The legislation introduces a dedicated fund, a financial controller, and formal reporting requirements to ensure transparency.
The commission will also hold authority over festival branding and intellectual property. "The commission shall be the official body responsible for the organizing, management, promotion and branding of festivals," Matthew said, adding that use of official festival branding without permission will not be permitted. He underscored the commercial value at stake: "Intellectual property… is a big revenue generator around the world… when you have a successful brand… you do not want it to simply be out there that anyone… can come and use."
The bill passed through all stages in the House, clearing the way for the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission to assume its role as the central authority for the country's major cultural events.
