Minister Says Carnival Payments Ongoing, Calls for Funding Reform

Concerns over outstanding payments to Carnival vendors surfaced during the question-and-answer segment of the Antigua Carnival 2026 media launch, prompting Education, Sports and Creative Industries Minister Daryll Matthew to acknowledge that some service providers are still awaiting funds.

Responding to questions from journalists, Matthew said the issue extends beyond individual invoices and reflects broader challenges in how Carnival is financed .

“We owe several persons,” Matthew said, while adding that payments are ongoing .

He explained that staging Carnival requires millions of dollars in marketing, production, support for competitions and assistance to promoters and cultural groups . However, he noted that while the festival generates increased visitor arrivals, expanded airlift and higher hotel occupancy, the Festivals Commission does not directly receive revenue from those gains .

Matthew called for what he described as a “very honest conversation” about Carnival financing, including who benefits economically from the event and how those sectors contribute to its sustainability .

He specifically urged the hotel sector to provide greater support, arguing that hotels are among the primary beneficiaries of increased summer arrivals during the Carnival period .

The minister also confirmed that government has invested in purchasing certain production equipment to reduce long-term costs, saying the move is intended to provide better value for taxpayers while maintaining the quality of the festival .

Despite the funding pressures, Matthew said the government remains committed to meeting its obligations and delivering a successful Carnival 2026 season, which is scheduled to run from July 25 to August 4 .

The exchange highlighted the financial complexities behind staging what officials describe as the country’s largest cultural event, even as organizers push forward with expanded programming and international marketing for 2026 .

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