The annual panorama competition, which is a highlight of this year’s carnival, is currently facing a potential boycott from the Pan Association.
Reports suggest that the Pan Association is seeking a higher financial contribution from the Festivals Commission for this year’s event. In the previous year, in 2023, the Festivals Commission provided them with a subvention of $300,000.00.
However, this year, the Pan Association is adamant about receiving an increased amount of $400,000.00.
It’s worth noting that the Pan Association received full payment before the end of August last year.
Nevertheless, the Festivals Commission has proposed an offer of $330,000.00 along with 4000 tickets, with the stipulation that the Pan Association would retain the proceeds from ticket sales.
On the other hand, the Pan Association has made it clear that they do not intend to sell any tickets and are maintaining their demand for $400,000.00.
In addition to the financial dispute, the sponsorship from State Insurance for the Panorama event is also at risk due to the Pan Association’s reluctance to sign the agreement.
This issue adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations and the future of the panorama competition during this year’s carnival.
Festivals Minister Daryll Matthew could not be reached for comments on the matter.
What kind of wickedness is that? This is pure greed. Just saying
What shallow memories we have! Don’t we remember what happened to the steelband fraternity the last time, way back then, when the foolishly tried to hold the nation and Carnival to ransom by peevishly withdrawing their participation in Carnival events of that year? Well! As much as we love steelband here in Antigua, one monkey won’t stop tge show!! It was because a similar stance adopted by disgruntled, partisan, steelbandsmen that jam bands, hi-fi and other recorded music became and remained the major source of music for Carnival to the present time. Don’t get me wrong, my cultural partners, but you will be shooting yourselves in the foot with that self-defeating, self-serving attitude. One monkey can’t stop this Show!