Senator Phillip Shoul has defended the government’s decision to purchase a state-of-the-art stage, dismissing criticism as short-sighted and arguing that Antigua and Barbuda must “level up” its entertainment product to remain competitive.
Speaking during Tuesday’s 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.
“We bought a brand new stage, a state-of-the-art stage,” he said, noting that critics immediately claimed the move was taking “bread and butter out of people’s pockets.”
He rejected that argument, insisting that upgrading infrastructure is essential for growth. “You go big or you go home,” Shoul told the Senate, adding that the Prime Minister has consistently encouraged private operators to invest and improve their offerings.
Shoul argued that the stage purchase aligns with a broader push to modernise Antigua and Barbuda’s festivals and entertainment sector, warning that the country cannot afford to wait for all stakeholders to upgrade at the same pace.
“If you’re coming to the party, you’ve got to come good. If not, we can’t wait for you,” he said, suggesting that government must move ahead with improvements even if some in the industry lag behind.
The senator pointed to what he described as “significant improvement” in Carnival and related events over the past four to five years, crediting structured planning and the involvement of experienced individuals.
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.
“That does not come by accident,” Shoul said, arguing that growth in participation reflects a stronger economy and better organisation of events.
Shoul repeatedly criticised the opposition for opposing government measures without offering alternatives, saying that objections continue even when initiatives prove successful.
“You’re not coming here to say what changes you would like to see,” he said. “You’re coming here to say you cannot support the bill.”
He warned that such an approach risks undermining progress, particularly in sectors like entertainment and tourism that generate economic activity across multiple industries.
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.
“When you level up… the benefits to the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said, pointing to increased spending and extended tourism activity linked to festivals.
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.
“Things have to be structured. If they’re not structured… they don’t work,” he told the Senate.
He also cited previous government decisions — including reforms in tourism — as examples of policies that faced initial resistance but ultimately delivered results.
Closing his contribution, Shoul expressed confidence in the government’s approach to development, saying recent reforms have improved efficiency and service delivery.
“These are the changes… to ensure that things in this country become structured,” he said, predicting continued progress if current policies are maintained.
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.
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