The government has rejected a proposal to delay the broadcast of Antigua Carnival events, reaffirming that all official shows will continue to be streamed live during the 2026 festival. The decision was announced yesterday following Cabinet discussions on reports that a directive was being considered to impose a mandatory 24-hour delay on the rebroadcast and livestreaming of official Carnival events. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet unanimously concluded that the benefits of live streaming far outweighed any advantages of a delayed broadcast. “The discussion on streaming live outweighed everything else, and hence that’s why we are at the position of saying to the general public that, as per usual, streaming will continue of Antigua and Barbuda Carnival events,” Merchant told the weekly Post-Cabinet press briefing. He clarified that Cabinet’s deliberations focused solely on the merits of live versus delayed broadcasts and not on where the proposal originated. “The origin of that directive was not the topic of discussion,” Merchant explained. “The main topic was what would the benefits be to have a 24-hour delay in comparison to streaming live.” According to the Cabinet, the issue arose after a notice and public discussions suggested that a delay in broadcasting official Carnival events was under consideration. However, the Minister responsible for Festivals, Dwayne George, expressed strong opposition, warning that such a restriction would significantly reduce public access to the country’s premier cultural festival and undermine efforts to market Antigua and Barbuda internationally. Following deliberations, Cabinet reaffirmed its longstanding policy that all official Antigua Carnival events should remain accessible to the widest possible audience through live television and digital streaming. Cabinet noted that Antigua Carnival is not only the nation’s largest cultural celebration but also one of its most valuable tourism and economic products. Ministers agreed that real-time broadcasts allow Antiguans and Barbudans at home and abroad, as well as regional and international audiences, to experience the festival as it unfolds. The Government also emphasized that live streaming serves as a powerful promotional platform for the destination, showcasing the country’s culture, creative industries, tourism product, and local entertainers to viewers worldwide. Cabinet further noted that the expanded audience generated through live broadcasts increases value for sponsors and strengthens the Antigua Carnival brand beyond the physical confines of Carnival City. While acknowledging concerns about encouraging patrons to attend events in person, Cabinet concluded that live streaming and healthy gate attendance are not mutually exclusive. Instead, ministers agreed the two can complement each other by broadening Carnival’s reach while preserving the unique atmosphere of experiencing the events live. The Government also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, media organizations, broadcast partners, sponsors, and promoters to continue building Antigua Carnival into a world-class festival that promotes the nation’s culture, drives tourism, and expands economic opportunities.
