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The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) announced yesterday that it will proceed with live streaming and broadcasting of the Party Monarch semifinals and finals despite a formal request from the National Soca Fraternity to stop all live coverage.
The National Soca Fraternity, led by Chairman Peetron Thomas and Secretary Tammisha Roberts, formally asked the ABFC to halt live streaming, broadcasting, and real-time social media coverage of Friday’s semifinals and the August 3rd finals.
The fraternity cited concerns about preserving the live event experience, protecting artists’ creative work, and encouraging people to attend in person.
The ABFC said it respects the fraternity’s views and remains committed to engaging with all cultural stakeholders, but has reviewed the request and will stick with its current media coverage plans.
The commission defended its decision by pointing to its organizational mandate to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s premier cultural events are widely accessible to local audiences, the diaspora, and the global Carnival community. The ABFC argues that live coverage plays a critical role in expanding reach, promoting talent, and maintaining transparency in national competitions.
Following media reports about the dispute, Fraternity Chairman Peetron Thomas issued a clarification, emphasizing that his position represents the official stance of the National Soca Fraternity rather than personal demands.
He addressed media coverage of the issue, asking media houses to refrain from using his name or that of Secretary Tammisha Roberts in any context suggesting they are making demands, calling such portrayals inaccurate and unacceptable.
Thomas stressed that the focus should remain on supporting the artistes, declaring that whether it’s streamed or not, the show must go on.
He encouraged fans to support the performers in person while noting that the National Soca Fraternity continues to advocate for fair representation, unity among stakeholders, and respect for its decision-making structures.
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