Antigua: Panorama competition reinstated after brief cancellation

Antigua’s annual Carnival Panorama competition has been reinstated just hours after it was announced it was cancelled.

The steel pan show, one of the highlights of Antigua’s Carnival celebrations, was initially cancelled due to a funding dispute between the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission and the Antigua Barbuda Pan Association (ABPA).

The conflict arose when ABPA sought to increase its financial allocation from $300,000 in 2023 to $400,000 this year. The Festival Commission countered with an offer of $330,000 plus thousands of tickets for ABPA to sell and keep the profits.

After unsuccessful negotiations and missed deadlines, the Commission unfortunately announced the cancellation of the event.

However, on Sunday a breakthrough was made. The Commission accepted a three-year grant totaling $1 million.

This year, $330,000 will be paid in three installments: 50% in the week following signing, 25% one week before Carnival and the remaining 25% before the end of August. ABPA will also receive tickets for sale and retain the profits.

A memorandum of understanding was signed this afternoon, officially sealing the deal and ensuring the return of Panorama to the Carnival calendar.

Despite this positive development, a new challenge has arisen as the title sponsor of the event has decided to withdraw its support.

The government must now choose between negotiating with the sponsor or finding alternative sources of funding to ensure the smooth running of the competition.