Antigua and Barbuda Approves EC$5.2 Million Budget for Carnival 2026

Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a EC$5.2 million budget for Carnival 2026 and established a finance committee to oversee spending as preparations intensify for the country’s premier cultural festival.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the approval during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing when asked for an update on the state of preparations for this year’s celebrations.

Merchant said the funding has already been approved, allowing the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission to proceed with its plans for the annual event.

“The budget has been passed. I think it’s a $5.2 million budget,” Merchant said.

He noted that festival preparations are well underway, with the commission having already released schedules for quarterfinal and semifinal competitions.

According to Merchant, contestants across the various Carnival competitions are actively preparing as organizers continue implementing plans ahead of the festival.

Merchant also disclosed that the Festivals Commission has established a finance committee to strengthen oversight of Carnival expenditure.

He said the committee has been tasked with monitoring spending and ensuring the commission remains accountable for the use of public funds.

“The commission established a finance committee just recently to manage its finances and to ensure that it remains accountable to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.

Merchant added that the finance committee has also been instructed to ensure Carnival operations remain within the approved allocation.

He said Cabinet expects the commission to manage the festival responsibly while delivering a successful event without exceeding the approved budget.

The budget approval comes as organizers continue final preparations for Carnival 2026, with the government reaffirming its commitment to supporting the country’s largest cultural celebration while maintaining financial accountability.

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