The government of Antigua and Barbuda is set to review the financial report on January’s One Nation Concert as discussions continue on whether to expand the event to three days in 2026.
During Thursday’s Cabinet press briefing, Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst confirmed that while the festival’s popularity has grown significantly, the government is awaiting a full financial breakdown before making any decisions on future subvention.
“There is going to be an accounting—an entire accounting of all the proceeds that were gained from gate receipts, bars, and other revenue sources, as well as the amount of the subvention provided by the government to make this happen,” Hurst said.
The event, which has been held annually for nearly a decade, was expanded to a two-day format for the first time this year, drawing large crowds.
Organizers have proposed extending it further by introducing themed nights—potentially featuring soca and calypso on one night, reggae and dancehall on another, and gospel music on the final night.
Hurst noted that the Prime Minister was not present at this week’s Cabinet meeting, and discussions with event organizers have been postponed until his return.
“What we are planning is to make it bigger and better,” Hurst said. “We want to disaggregate the music so that every music palate in Antigua and Barbuda is satisfied.”
The festival, which has received government support since its inception, has faced criticism in the past over public spending concerns.
While Hurst acknowledged that the event initially drew skepticism, he argued that its success has justified continued investment.
“When we began this One Nation concert almost ten years ago, there was great criticism. Now the criticism has fallen away because people are attending,” he said.
“They get to see artists they could only watch on YouTube or TV, but now they see them in person.”
A final decision on whether to extend the event in 2026 is expected after the government’s financial review is completed.
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