{"id":271495,"date":"2026-03-31T17:04:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T21:04:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=271495"},"modified":"2026-03-31T17:07:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T21:07:18","slug":"senator-philip-shoul-defends-governments-purchase-of-stage-says-you-go-big-or-you-go-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/senator-philip-shoul-defends-governments-purchase-of-stage-says-you-go-big-or-you-go-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Senator Phillip Shoul Defends Government\u2019s Purchase of Stage, Says \u2018You Go Big or You Go Home\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Senator Phillip Shoul has defended the government\u2019s decision to purchase a state-of-the-art stage, dismissing criticism as short-sighted and arguing that Antigua and Barbuda must \u201clevel up\u201d its entertainment product to remain competitive.<\/p>

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Speaking during Tuesday\u2019s Senate debate on the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026, Shoul said the backlash to the investment reflected a broader pattern of opposition resistance to government initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe bought a brand new stage, a state-of-the-art stage,\u201d he said, noting that critics immediately claimed the move was taking \u201cbread and butter out of people\u2019s pockets.\u201d<\/p>

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He rejected that argument, insisting that upgrading infrastructure is essential for growth. \u201cYou go big or you go home,\u201d Shoul told the Senate, adding that the Prime Minister has consistently encouraged private operators to invest and improve their offerings.<\/p>

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Shoul argued that the stage purchase aligns with a broader push to modernise Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s festivals and entertainment sector, warning that the country cannot afford to wait for all stakeholders to upgrade at the same pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re coming to the party, you\u2019ve got to come good. If not, we can\u2019t wait for you,\u201d he said, suggesting that government must move ahead with improvements even if some in the industry lag behind.<\/p>

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The senator pointed to what he described as \u201csignificant improvement\u201d in Carnival and related events over the past four to five years, crediting structured planning and the involvement of experienced individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said the success of initiatives such as the One Nation concert demonstrates that government investments in culture and entertainment are yielding results, despite early criticism.<\/p>

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\u201cThat does not come by accident,\u201d Shoul said, arguing that growth in participation reflects a stronger economy and better organisation of events.<\/p>

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Shoul repeatedly criticised the opposition for opposing government measures without offering alternatives, saying that objections continue even when initiatives prove successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not coming here to say what changes you would like to see,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re coming here to say you cannot support the bill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He warned that such an approach risks undermining progress, particularly in sectors like entertainment and tourism that generate economic activity across multiple industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoul also tied festival development to broader economic gains, noting that Carnival and major events benefit taxi operators, hotels, restaurants, rental businesses and small entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you level up\u2026 the benefits to the people of Antigua and Barbuda,\u201d he said, pointing to increased spending and extended tourism activity linked to festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backing the Festivals Commission Bill, Shoul said proper structure and governance are essential for continued growth, arguing that placing the right people in key roles leads to better outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThings have to be structured. If they\u2019re not structured\u2026 they don\u2019t work,\u201d he told the Senate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also cited previous government decisions \u2014 including reforms in tourism \u2014 as examples of policies that faced initial resistance but ultimately delivered results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing his contribution, Shoul expressed confidence in the government\u2019s approach to development, saying recent reforms have improved efficiency and service delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese are the changes\u2026 to ensure that things in this country become structured,\u201d he said, predicting continued progress if current policies are maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Festivals Commission Bill, which aims to formalise the management of Carnival and other major cultural events, was among the measures debated during what is expected to be the final Senate sitting before the dissolution of Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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