Govia Outlines Structure, Powers of New Festivals Commission in Senate Debate
Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia delivered a detailed presentation of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026 in the Senate on Tuesday, outlining sweeping changes aimed at placing the management of national festivals on a formal legal and financial footing.
Govia said the bill seeks to modernise how major cultural events — including Carnival and the One Nation concert — are organised, shifting operations into a structured statutory body with defined powers, responsibilities and accountability measures.
“This bill is seeking to place the management of our national festivals on a modern, more legal, structured and accountable footing,” she told the Senate.
At the core of the legislation is the creation of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission as a corporate entity with legal standing.
Govia explained that the commission will have the authority to enter contracts, sue and be sued, and manage festival operations through a formal governance structure.
The move, she said, mirrors other statutory bodies such as the tourism authority, allowing for greater efficiency and clearer lines of responsibility.
The bill grants the commission wide-ranging powers to manage all aspects of festivals, including contracting services, engaging artists, and coordinating logistics.
Govia outlined that the commission will be able to:
- Enter into contracts for performers, suppliers and service providers
- Collect revenue through licensing, concessions, sponsorship and admissions
- Appoint agents, consultants and promoters
- Collaborate with government agencies, private entities and international partners
These powers are intended to streamline decision-making and improve execution of large-scale events.
The proposed commission will be governed by a 13-member board appointed by Cabinet, comprising individuals with expertise in areas such as event management, marketing, finance, public safety and culture.
Govia said the inclusion of a representative from the Attorney General’s office is particularly important, ensuring legal oversight and faster review of contracts.
The board will be required to meet at least once monthly, with more frequent meetings expected during peak festival planning periods.
Under the bill, a Chief Executive Officer will be appointed to oversee day-to-day operations, implement board decisions and manage staff and resources.
The commission will also include a financial controller responsible for overseeing financial management and ensuring compliance with public finance regulations.
Govia noted that existing staff involved in festival planning may be seconded into the new structure to ensure continuity.
A key feature of the legislation is the establishment of a Festivals Commission Fund, which will form part of the public finances but operate with dedicated resources.
The fund will be financed through parliamentary allocations, Cabinet-approved funding for major events, and revenue generated from sponsorships, grants and other sources.
Govia said the fund is intended to reduce reliance on the consolidated fund and allow for more timely payments to service providers.
“Carnival is an expensive undertaking… between five to seven million,” she noted, underscoring the need for a more flexible financial structure.
The bill includes provisions for financial oversight, including:
- Approved bank accounts and designated signatories
- Annual budgets submitted ahead of each financial year
- Mandatory reporting on income and expenditure
- Compliance with the Finance Administration Act
Govia emphasised that these measures are designed to ensure transparency and accountability in how public funds are used.
The legislation also empowers the commission to establish rules governing festival operations, including safety standards and conduct for participants, vendors and patrons.
Govia pointed to measures such as regulating parade routes, enforcing safety requirements for vehicles and managing crowd control.
In addition, the commission will have authority over the licensing of festival branding, allowing it to regulate the use of official logos and generate revenue from merchandising and sponsorships.
The commission will be authorised to impose fees for participation in events, licensing, concessions and use of festival venues.
Govia said these provisions will help offset the high cost of staging events while keeping activities accessible, particularly for children’s programming, which has been subsidised or made free in recent years.
Govia said the bill does not replace existing cultural bodies but clarifies roles between the commission and the Department of Culture, allowing both to operate more effectively.
She argued that the new structure will enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to deliver high-quality festivals and maintain the country’s reputation as a leading cultural destination.
“With this explanation… I commend this bill to this Honourable House,” she said.
The bill forms part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen governance and expand the economic impact of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural industries.
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