The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) acknowledges receipt of a formal correspondence dated July 16, 2025, from Mr. Peetron Thomas and Ms. Tammisha Roberts, Chairman and Secretary of the National Soca Fraternity of Antigua and Barbuda.
In their letter, the Fraternity requested that there be no live media coverage of the upcoming Soca Monarch Semifinals on Friday, July 18, 2025, and Finals on Saturday, August 3, 2025. Specifically, the request sought to prohibit:
• Live streaming
• Live broadcasting
• Real-time social media feeds
The stated intention was to preserve the live event experience, protect the creative work of the artists, and encourage in-person attendance.
While we respect the Fraternity’s views and remain committed to engaging with all cultural stakeholders, the ABFC has reviewed the request and will proceed with its current media coverage plans, which include live broadcasting and digital streaming of the Semifinals and Finals.
Our mandate is to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s premier cultural events are widely accessible both to our local audience and to our diaspora and global Carnival community. Live coverage plays a critical role in that mission, allowing us to expand our reach, promote our talent, and uphold transparency in national competitions.
We remain open to continued dialogue and collaboration with the Soca Fraternity as we work together to elevate the cultural landscape of Antigua and Barbuda.