MP Shugy Simon Eyes Trinidad Model to Strengthen Antigua Carnival and Artist Protections

St. Mary’s South MP Kelvin “Shugy” Simon is set to travel to Trinidad to study how that country has transformed its Carnival into a major economic driver, with hopes of applying key lessons to Antigua and Barbuda’s summer festival.

Simon said his visit will focus heavily on intellectual property protections for local creatives. He wants to explore how Trinidadian artists safeguard their work during Carnival and build connections with legal professionals who can help Antiguan performers, songwriters and producers better understand and defend their rights.

Beyond legal protections, the MP is interested in how Trinidad has positioned Carnival as a thriving business enterprise that generates significant visitor arrivals and widespread economic activity. He noted that in Trinidad, the festival is seen as a national economic season, benefiting vendors, hospitality operators and service providers across the board.

While praising Antigua’s Carnival as “second to none,” Simon argued that stronger marketing and strategic planning are needed to elevate the festival’s global profile. He envisions Carnival eventually rivaling the country’s winter tourist season, with tens of thousands of visitors filling hotels, Airbnbs and private rentals each year.

Simon also expressed concern about the lack of dedicated cultural infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda, suggesting that sustained investment is necessary to properly develop and preserve the nation’s cultural industries.

Highlighting Carnival’s roots in emancipation history, he stressed that the festival is more than celebration — it is a reflection of identity and heritage. He further proposed greater regional collaboration through CARICOM to support smaller territories in strengthening their Carnival products.

Drawing on his own experience living in Trinidad, Simon said the country’s success stems from consistent cultural education and long-term planning — elements he believes Antigua and Barbuda can adopt to maximize the economic and cultural potential of its own festival.