Senator Phillip Shoul has mounted a strong defence of the government's decision to purchase a state-of-the-art stage, dismissing critics as short-sighted and insisting that Antigua and Barbuda must raise the standard of its entertainment offerings to remain competitive.
According to Antigua News Room, Shoul made his remarks during Tuesday's Senate debate on the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026, arguing that opposition resistance to the investment reflected a broader pattern of reflexive criticism toward government initiatives.
"We bought a brand new stage, a state-of-the-art stage," Shoul told the Senate, noting that detractors had immediately characterised the purchase as taking "bread and butter out of people's pockets." He rejected that framing outright, contending that upgrading infrastructure is a prerequisite for growth. "You go big or you go home," he said.
Shoul argued that the stage acquisition forms part of a wider effort to modernise the country's festivals and entertainment sector. He warned that Antigua and Barbuda cannot afford to wait for all industry stakeholders to improve at the same pace. "If you're coming to the party, you've got to come good. If not, we can't wait for you," he said.
The senator pointed to what he described as "significant improvement" in Carnival and related events over the past four to five years, attributing the gains to structured planning and the involvement of experienced organisers. He cited the One Nation concert as evidence that government investments in culture and entertainment are producing results despite early scepticism. "That does not come by accident," Shoul said.
Shoul repeatedly criticised the opposition for challenging government measures without offering alternatives. "You're not coming here to say what changes you would like to see," he said. "You're coming here to say you cannot support the bill." He cautioned that such an approach risks undermining progress, particularly in sectors like entertainment and tourism that generate broad economic activity.
The senator also linked festival development to wider economic benefits, noting that Carnival and major events drive spending across taxi services, hotels, restaurants, rental businesses and small entrepreneurs. "When you level up… the benefits to the people of Antigua and Barbuda," he said, pointing to increased visitor spending and extended tourism activity tied to major cultural events.
Backing the Festivals Commission Bill, Shoul stressed that proper structure and governance are essential for continued growth. "Things have to be structured. If they're not structured… they don't work," he told the Senate. He also referenced previous government reforms — including changes in the tourism sector — as examples of policies that faced initial resistance but ultimately delivered positive outcomes.
Closing his contribution, Shoul expressed confidence in the government's overall development strategy, predicting continued progress if current policies are maintained. "These are the changes… to ensure that things in this country become structured," he said.
The Festivals Commission Bill, which seeks to formalise the management of Carnival and other major cultural events, was among the measures debated during what is expected to be the final Senate sitting before the dissolution of Parliament.
