Prime Minister Gaston Browne wants Carnival competition rules reviewed to prevent artistes from entering songs produced in previous years.

Browne raised the issue on his weekly radio programme, arguing that performers should be encouraged to produce fresh material every year rather than relying on older songs that were not previously entered in competition.

He said the purpose of government support to some leading cultural personalities is partly to assist with production and argued that the public should therefore expect new, high-quality music.

Under the approach suggested by Browne, a song produced in a previous year would not be eligible for a current-year competition even if it had never before been performed competitively.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that special circumstances existed during the COVID-19 period, when competitions were disrupted and allowances were made for songs produced during that period.

Outside such exceptional circumstances, however, he said the rules should reward annual creativity.

Browne’s comments formed part of a wider review of Antigua Carnival 2026 and what should change ahead of the festival’s landmark 70th anniversary in 2027.

He also raised concerns about the quality and quantity of local Carnival music and suggested that the strength of the songs has a direct impact on attendance at official competitions.