Festivals Commission Promises Payment to Schools Panorama Participants

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has pledged to settle outstanding payments to Schools Panorama participants this week, following months of delays that prompted a “no pay, no play” warning from members of the pan community.

Commission Chair Elizabeth “Lisa” Makhoul, speaking to Observer Media, said the matter is being addressed and that all overdue funds will be paid in the coming days.

Frustration over late payments—some dating back to last October—came to a head during Panache Steel Orchestra’s “Lovers Rock” Block-o-rama on Friday, where senior bands united in protest.

Panache captain Maurisha Potter criticized the recurring delays, saying local musicians are consistently made to wait while international performers are paid on time. Other pan leaders, including Cuthbert “Tiny” Thomas and Derel Jarvis, supported calls for collective action and rejected selective meetings with the Commission, insisting that all stakeholders be included in discussions.

Despite the dispute, the event highlighted the positive impact of steelpan on young people. Performers and arrangers emphasized the panyard’s role in promoting discipline and steering youth away from crime.

With payments promised this week, the pan community now awaits action, hopeful that the long-standing issue will finally be resolved.