By Azara Lavia
Renowned cultural activist and mas’ builder Alister Thomas yesterday disclosed that he has taken legal action against the Attorney General and the Festivals Commission over unpaid monies dating back to 2018 and 2019.
Thomas, who has been a central figure in Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival for more than four decades, said the state has failed to compensate him and others despite repeated public claims that all debts have been settled.
“We’ve given Carnival thousands and thousands of dollars without receiving anything in return, and yet we see hundreds of thousands being paid to overseas acts while local icons are left out in the cold,” Thomas said.
This lawsuit goes beyond his individual case as the mas’ builder said it speaks to a broader injustice against local creatives who continue to give to Carnival without recognition or reimbursement.
He emphasized that while international performers like Machel Montano receive advances and luxury accommodations, local contributors are often forced to wait years or, worse yet, they never receive any payment.
“I’m not just doing this for myself,” he explained. “There are many others too scared to speak out or too beaten down by the system. But this is about justice for all of us who have built this Carnival with our bare hands.”
Thomas expressed concern about what he sees as the eroding cultural foundation of Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival.
He pointed to the elimination of the Opening Parade, the widespread importation of costumes, and a lack of investment in youth training and creative development. He described his group, Ali & Associates, as being the only mas’ troupe that consistently organized workshops for schoolchildren to teach them skills like wire bending and costume design, and ensuring that children can participate in Carnival for three full days.
“We created a space for kids to learn, design, and participate. Today, you can’t find a single functioning mas’ camp teaching youth. This isn’t just about payment; it’s about the future of our culture,” he said.
Attempts by Observer media to obtain a statement from Daryll Mathew, the minister with responsibility for Carnival, were unsuccessful, as he declined to comment on the issue.
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