The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission would like to address a regrettable incident concerning the travel arrangements of our key participants from the winners’ circle in this year’s Antigua and Barbuda Day Celebrations.

For the 2023 Antigua and Barbuda celebrations in New York, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission made extensive efforts to ensure the full presence of the winners from the 2023 carnival festivities.

This included our reigning panorama champions, the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra. The commission took responsibility for per diem payments, secured accommodations in New York, and procured tickets through a local travel agency.

Regrettably, it has come to our attention that despite payments made to secure flights for our pannists, the contracted travel agency failed to fulfill their obligations as agreed upon.

Subsequent investigations revealed that this local travel agency is facing allegations of fraud from several other customers.

This unfortunate situation has resulted in significant setbacks to our planned activities and performances, including the highly anticipated performance of the region’s oldest and most renowned steel pan orchestra during the 2023 Labor Day celebrations in New York.

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and showcasing our rich arts, culture, and music on the global stage.
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