Local cultural group RT Performers is calling on the organizers of Carnival to settle outstanding payments owed to them for performances at national events that took place more than six months ago.
Renee Thomas said she made countless calls, messages, and follow-ups” with officials, but to date, no payment has been received.
“We’ve been waiting over five to six months for payment from the Treasury Department for events we proudly performed at,” she said.
“We spend our own money to represent this country beautifully, yet when it’s time to get paid, silence. This is disrespectful to the artists, the effort, and the children who are the future of our culture.”
RT Performers is known for its dynamic portrayals of traditional Antiguan and Caribbean characters, particularly during national celebrations such as Independence, Carnival, and cultural showcases.
The group says its members, many of whom are young performers, have been left frustrated and demoralized by the government’s continued delay.
“This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect for the creative sector,” she told Antigua.News. “We show up, we perform with pride, we embody the culture. But when we can’t even be compensated months later, it tells us how little value is placed on our work.”
While the exact amount owed has not been disclosed, we were told it amounts to over $5000.00.
Minister of Festivals Daryll Mathew could not be reached for comments on the matter.
Are you kidding me? Why not just pay people on the spot. No one should have to wait that long to get paid. nonsense
Come on, Daryll you can pay this “cultural” group the measly 5G they claim they are owed!! Pay them, man, so that they invest the money to showcase a wider, less boring, copycat version of our copycat version of somebody’s carnival costume culture. I’d rather pay to watch Dominica’s colorful, authentic versions of their own culture, or the St. Kitts and Nevis clowns and highlanders/skellyhoppers and similar groups out of Montserrat with their authentic fife bands! Man, pay dem off, with their 20th century cultural attire! Cho!
Pay them people jack
I bet if it was a foreign entertainer, payment would’ve gone through before sound check.
Months-long delays are unacceptable! How can anyone rely on government contracts if payments aren’t honored?
Renee always deliver top-tier performances the group deserves their money
how much money those in the vehicle gate scandal got. Pay them people
We dress up, rehearse, sweat in the sun, and still waiting for a little cheque. Total disrespect.
If they owe $5,000, that’s peanuts compared to what they waste on nonsense. Pay the people!