{"id":232646,"date":"2025-04-11T13:46:37","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T17:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=232646"},"modified":"2025-04-11T15:36:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T19:36:49","slug":"steelbands-accuse-executive-of-breaching-constitution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/steelbands-accuse-executive-of-breaching-constitution\/","title":{"rendered":"PANDEMONIUM : Steelbands want Elections and other concerns addressed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Steelbands Accuse Executive of Breaching Constitution in Letter Seen by ANR<\/strong><\/p>

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Two of Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s oldest steel orchestras have accused the leadership of the national steelband association of repeatedly breaching its own constitution and failing to act in the interest of its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a letter seen by Antigua Newsroom (ANR)<\/em>, CUB Hells Gate Steel Orchestra and Panache Steel Orchestra called on the Central Executive of the Antigua Steelband and Pan Players Association to urgently hold elections and complete the process of Friendly Society registration, which they say has been delayed for more than two years.<\/p>

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Addressed to the Association\u2019s President, Patrick Johnson, the four-page letter outlines what the orchestras describe as \u201cblatant overt actions\u201d by the executive, which they claim include a failure to comply with the Association\u2019s constitution and continued inaction on key responsibilities.<\/p>

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The groups cite four main areas of concern: failure to uphold the Association\u2019s aims and objectives; failure to conduct annual audits as required; failure to observe rules regarding amendments and conventions; and failure to hold elections since 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The letter states that \u201cthe Central Executive has chosen to sit on its laurels,\u201d and warns that the group\u2019s continued refusal to act may force bands to engage with other stakeholders such as the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission.<\/p>

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It also notes that the lack of progress on Friendly Society registration has left the Association in a legally questionable position. The bands claim that despite written requests from the Intellectual Property and Commerce Division, the executive has failed to submit required documents, risking the Association\u2019s status and ability to represent its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the signatories have called for the Association\u2019s financial books to be made available for inspection by any financial member, in keeping with the rules of the constitution.<\/p>

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\u201cIf the Association\u2019s Central Executive fails to establish a date before the end of April 2025 to convene elections\u2026 we shall deem it your desire for us to approach the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission,\u201d the letter reads.<\/p>

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The letter is signed by Keithley Athill Jr., Captain of Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, and Maurisha Potter, Captain of Panache Steel Orchestra, along with the executive team of Hells Gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Central Executive has not yet publicly responded to the claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary Of Concerns <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Failure to Uphold Aims and Objectives (Rule 2)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The orchestras claim the Central Executive has failed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n