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Urgent Plea for Improved Accessibility at ARG During Carnival Events | VIDEO STORY

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As the vibrant festivities of Carnival continue, an important issue has emerged that demands the attention of both organizers and authorities.

Accessibility for all attendees is essential to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the celebration. In light of this, wheelchair users are raising an urgent call for action from Minister of Festivals Daryll Matthew regarding accessibility issues at the Antigua Recreation Grounds during Carnival events.

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Bernard Warner, the head of the Disability Association, emphasizes that over the past few years, attendees have faced significant challenges, including being exposed to rain without adequate shelter.

Bernard Warner of the ABAPD on wheelchair accessibility at Carnival City
Bernard Warner and crew head out to Carnival City

This story was first published by Antigua News on July 23, 2025: antigua.news/2025/07/23/urgent-plea-for-improved-accessibility-at-arg-during-carnival-events-video-story. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (8)

  • Juju Bee July 23, 2025, 9:00 PM

    I totally support and endorse this request. It’s about time we progress with time and make all public spaces accessable to the differently abled
    Reply

  • Anonymous July 23, 2025, 9:42 PM

    💯
    Reply

  • Antigua Surf July 24, 2025, 2:00 AM

    These disable people need to stay at home and not be apart of the festive celebrations. Can’t we see what’s happening out there today? You’re already half way about life! If there is danger you can’t even run
    Reply

    • Informed citizen July 24, 2025, 11:09 PM

      While I agree on the point you are trying to bring across when it comes to their safety. To them it’s why should my unfortunate disability limit me from enjoying this event.
      Reply

  • Rhea July 24, 2025, 2:02 AM

    Honestly and this not only speaks for ARG but other places that deserves disable access. Time to stop living one sided or backwards. The disabled people would like to live a life as well and be apart of us. I mean, disability doesn’t separate them from being a human so why should we?
    Reply

  • Faithful National #1 July 24, 2025, 2:29 AM

    So Bernard wants until we are in the middle of the carnival festivities to get on his soap box to issue his demands on behalf of his association! Typical Antiguan politician! I guess he is inspired by the overwhelming public support received from Chase Supermarket debacle! It’s a good time to be heard!
    Reply

  • Me Say Wah Me Want July 24, 2025, 10:59 AM

    @Antiguan Surf and @Faithful National #1 You are both absolutely disgraceful human beings. Do you think these people asked to be differently-abled? It’s such an insensitive and truly tone-deaf statement to make about differently abled people that they should just “stay at home”. Why? Because they don’t enjoy music too? They don’t enjoy “outside” just like you? They don’t deserve the same freedoms as you? Nobody telling you tap home. We need to learn to leave people alone to do as they like. The man is simply asking for basic accommodations to be made for persons who are differently-abled – as an appointed advocate for said group. Some of y’all in this place need to just learn to hush. God forbid you or a loved one were differently abled. If it’s you or somebody you have authority over, then you can tell people how to act. As that is not the case – learn fu hush! And nuh tell numbady wah fu do and wey dem fu go and nuh go. Aryou just sick me stomach! As for you @Faithful National #1, I will refer you back to our National anthem which states “each endeavouring, all achieving, live in peace where man is free”. Whether he decides to raise his issues now or last month has nothing to do with you. The fact of the matter is, he is RIGHT. The facilities do not accommodate persons with physical disabilities, the facts are the facts! And we will never ever progress as a nation until we stand together and fight for and with each other to see the changes we need to see in our country. Because it doesn’t affect YOU doesn’t mean the situation isn’t valid and dire. One bunch of arrogant, ignorant, tone-deaf, nasty, ableist, prejudicial group of people aryou be. Work pan dat.
    Reply

  • Rayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy July 25, 2025, 7:12 PM

    LOL I am here just for the comments
    Reply

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