Time ran out for the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association (ABPA) who were told to sign their carnival contract by midday today

That means there will be no Panorama competition this year.

The Festivals Commission announced the news saying, “all negotiations have concluded unsuccessfully.”

ABPA was seeking an increase in funding for this year’s carnival, requesting $400,000 compared to the $300,000 allocated in 2023.

In response, the Festivals Commission proposed providing $330,000 along with 3,500 tickets, which could generate over $100,000 in sales proceeds for ABPA.

However, ABPA rejected that offer.

The Festivals Commission therefore issued an ultimatum and gave the group three opportunities to sign.

Midday today was their last chance and having not come to an agreement, the competition has officially been cancelled.

The commission said in a release that “to ensure that our youth, who are keen to exhibit their talents are not overlooked we will initiate discussions with individual bands to explore the possibility of their participation in a carnival event.”

They will announce an updated schedule for the Carnival festivities in short order.