Antigua Observer

By Robert A. Emmanuel

Another threat to boycott an event on the Carnival calendar has reportedly been pulled back after the Festivals Commission allegedly made good on outstanding payments to member bands of the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association (ABPA) late yesterday.


Earlier yesterday, the ABPA issued a press statement, informing the media that due to the “blatant disrespect towards the pan fraternity” from the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC), “the decision has been made to withdraw all member bands from the National Panorama Competition scheduled for 3rd August.”


It added that with “Antigua’s carnival fast approaching, it seems like Déjà Vu all over again as the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association locks horns with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission yet again and awaits the complete settlement of Carnival 2018 monies.”


The strongly worded statement noted that as part of negotiations held last year, the Cabinet had agreed to pay the steel bands by December 31.
“With only three of the nine Panorama bands presently sponsored, this delay is already causing serious disruptions in preparations for Panorama 2019,” the release said.


“After exercising much patience, and without so much as an explanation or apology by the ABFC, the ABPA issued a letter to the Chairman of the ABFC on Thursday 23 May 2019, reminding him of the Cabinet agreement, indicating the ABPA’s stance in settling all outstanding matters of 2018 before commencing negotiations for 2019, and also requesting an urgent meeting to settle these matters.


“After no response was received, a second letter was penned on Tuesday 4 June 2019, this time giving a deadline of Tuesday 11 June to receive all outstanding monies. To add insult to injury, the Chairman still has not replied to either letter.”

read more

You need to be a member of When Steel Talks to add comments!

Join When Steel Talks

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • I have made this point here before: EVERY SOCIETY EVOLVES AT  ITS PACE.

    TRINIDAD PAN PLAYERS are at least another 25 years behind this level of SELF-RESPECT. (Maybe 50 years!!!)

    But, then again, if you look at the HISTORY OF PAN in ANTIGUA -- they have always been MENTALLY AHEAD of TRINIDAD!!!

    For what ever reason -- TRINIDAD PAN PLAYERS have turned into sheep and UNDER BEVERLEY the EXPLOITATION is worse than ever while the PAN PLAYERS seem HAPPIER THAN EVER.

  • Now Trinidad & Tobago panmen & women I want you all to pay good attention to the panmen & panwomen in panorama

    in Antigua & Barbuda and what is happening and what they are doing.

    You  want somethings and can'nt get it Boycott,You will get it.

    Try doing that in T&T.Dont just sit and say yes Sir no Sir.

This reply was deleted.