Senate Minority Leader David Massiah has declined to support the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026, arguing that the legislation is being rushed without sufficient consultation or scrutiny.
Speaking during Tuesday’s Senate debate, Massiah said while elements of the bill appear sound, he could not back its passage in its current form, citing concerns raised by members of the public and stakeholders in the festivals sector.
“I cannot and will not give support to the passage of this bill,” Massiah told the Upper House.
Massiah criticised the timing of the bill, saying senators were not given adequate opportunity to review and research its provisions before debate.
He noted that the legislation was only recently circulated, limiting the ability of members to fully assess its implications.
“It is important for us to have the necessary timeline… to do whatever research that we’d want,” he said, stressing the Senate’s role as a reviewing body.
A central plank of Massiah’s objection was the absence of broader consultation with stakeholders, including those directly involved in festival planning and execution.
He argued that the bill, which seeks to formalise the management of Carnival and other national events, should be subjected to a more inclusive process before being enacted.
“There is an importance for us to sit down [and] understand what is happening… and the challenges that are there,” Massiah said.
He warned that proceeding without such engagement could result in gaps in the legislation, requiring amendments shortly after passage.
Massiah also pointed to concerns circulating among the public about the current operation of festival management, though he acknowledged he did not have documentary evidence to present in the chamber.
He said these issues nonetheless warranted closer examination before moving forward with structural changes.
“I am speaking from what I am hearing,” he said, adding that public feedback should not be ignored in shaping national policy.
Not opposed to reform
Despite his objections, Massiah made clear that he supports the concept of establishing a formal authority to manage festivals, describing it as necessary for the country.
“I cannot stand here and say that we don’t need a commission,” he said, noting the importance of strengthening cultural institutions.
However, he maintained that the process must be more deliberate and inclusive to ensure the final legislation reflects the needs of all stakeholders.
Massiah urged the government to take additional time to refine the bill, suggesting that existing festival structures could continue operating in the interim.
“There’s already a committee… doing certain things,” he said, arguing there was no immediate urgency that justified fast-tracking the legislation.
He warned that passing the bill without adequate review could lead to avoidable revisions in the near future.
Massiah reiterated his position that while the bill contains “good things,” it requires further consultation and consideration before it can earn his support.
His stance placed him at odds with government senators, who argued the bill is necessary to modernise festival management and expand the economic impact of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural events.
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