Antigua Government Plans Investment in International-Standard Sound System for Festivals

The government of Antigua and Barbuda says it plans to invest in a modern sound system for major festivals and conferences, after concerns that the current equipment does not meet international standards.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed the plan following a discussion on Saturday with Stonewall Sound owner Whitney Williams about improving audio production at national events.

Mr Browne said production professionals had repeatedly advised that the sound infrastructure used at government events was outdated and inadequate for international performers.

In February, the government announced plans to purchase a national sound and lighting system to support major events. Officials said the aim was not to compete with private promoters, but to improve the experience for residents and visitors.

“We have been advised that if the government invests in certain aspects of a system, international sound teams won’t need to bring in everything and charge premium rates,” Mr Browne said. “It is more cost-effective for the government to own at least part of a system.”

A post-production report following last year’s One Nation Festival described the front-of-house speaker system as outdated and noted shortages of audio and power cables. It also raised concerns about professionalism among some local crew members.

Mr Williams said he had no objection to the government purchasing equipment, but questioned what should be bought and the cost involved.

He said he had recently spent tens of thousands of US dollars on professional equipment, including two Yamaha DM7 mixing boards costing $36,000 each and several stage boxes and amplifiers, but still could not meet all the technical requirements listed by international artists.

Two Jamaican audio engineers who joined the discussion also highlighted technical issues with the system used at the festival, including problems with speaker alignment.

By the end of the discussion, Mr Williams agreed in principle to a partnership in which the government would invest in a new system, with costs gradually recovered through reduced fees paid to Stonewall for government events.

Mr Browne said Mr Williams and his brother would be the preferred operators of any new system, and instructed Creative Industries Minister Daryll Matthew to continue negotiations towards a formal agreement.

No final decision has been made on the type of system or its cost, with technical consultations expected to guide the procurement process.

The prime minister also announced two scholarships from the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Fund for Antiguans to study sound engineering and said the government plans to propose removing import duties on musical instruments to make them more affordable.

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