PANDEMONIUM : Steelbands want Elections and other concerns addressed

Steelbands Accuse Executive of Breaching Constitution in Letter Seen by ANR

Two of Antigua and Barbuda’s oldest steel orchestras have accused the leadership of the national steelband association of repeatedly breaching its own constitution and failing to act in the interest of its members.

In a letter seen by Antigua Newsroom (ANR), CUB Hells Gate Steel Orchestra and Panache Steel Orchestra called on the Central Executive of the Antigua Steelband and Pan Players Association to urgently hold elections and complete the process of Friendly Society registration, which they say has been delayed for more than two years.

Addressed to the Association’s President, Patrick Johnson, the four-page letter outlines what the orchestras describe as “blatant overt actions” by the executive, which they claim include a failure to comply with the Association’s constitution and continued inaction on key responsibilities.

The groups cite four main areas of concern: failure to uphold the Association’s aims and objectives; failure to conduct annual audits as required; failure to observe rules regarding amendments and conventions; and failure to hold elections since 2019.

The letter states that “the Central Executive has chosen to sit on its laurels,” and warns that the group’s continued refusal to act may force bands to engage with other stakeholders such as the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission.

It also notes that the lack of progress on Friendly Society registration has left the Association in a legally questionable position. The bands claim that despite written requests from the Intellectual Property and Commerce Division, the executive has failed to submit required documents, risking the Association’s status and ability to represent its members.

Additionally, the signatories have called for the Association’s financial books to be made available for inspection by any financial member, in keeping with the rules of the constitution.

“If the Association’s Central Executive fails to establish a date before the end of April 2025 to convene elections… we shall deem it your desire for us to approach the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission,” the letter reads.

The letter is signed by Keithley Athill Jr., Captain of Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, and Maurisha Potter, Captain of Panache Steel Orchestra, along with the executive team of Hells Gate.

The Central Executive has not yet publicly responded to the claims.

Summary Of Concerns

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1. Failure to Uphold Aims and Objectives (Rule 2)

The orchestras claim the Central Executive has failed to:

• Function as the representative body for steelbands in the state;
• Promote the cultural and business aspects of the steelband movement;
• Organise and manage concerts, competitions, and tours;
• Advance and protect the welfare of member bands;
• Maintain a healthy relationship between steelbands and the public.

They argue that the executive has shown a “serious lack of interest” in fulfilling these obligations.

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2. Failure to Conduct Audits (Rule 8)

The constitution mandates that:

• An auditor appointed by the executive must review the Association’s accounts annually;
• All financial records must be submitted to the auditor by 31 December each year.

The letter asserts that this has not been done and accuses the executive of failing in its financial accountability.

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3. Failure to Adhere to Rules on Conventions and Amendments (Rule 11)

According to the constitution:

• Amendments to the rules can only be made during a Biennial Convention or a Special Convention called with proper notice and quorum.

The orchestras argue that the executive has not convened such meetings, nor followed the proper procedures for engaging membership in decision-making.

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4. Failure to Hold Elections Since 2019 (Rule 4)

The constitution requires:

• Elections for key executive roles every two years, including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and others;
• Elections for band representatives to be held at least 10 days before the Convention.

The last known election was held in May 2019. The executive is accused of ignoring repeated requests to schedule new elections, thereby continuing to operate in breach of the term limits set out in the constitution.

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Additionally, the orchestras highlight the failure to complete Friendly Society registration, which they say has been pending for over two years. They argue this has rendered the Association an “illegitimate body,” with no legal standing to represent steelbands at any level.

These alleged constitutional breaches form the basis of the bands’ demand for immediate elections and financial transparency.

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