Stonewall Sounds operator Whitney Williams has rejected suggestions that Antigua and Barbuda’s current festival sound infrastructure is inadequate, while acknowledging that improvements are always possible, during a public discussion with Prime Minister Gaston Browne about the government’s plan to invest in new audio equipment.

Williams said he has no objection to the government purchasing its own sound system , but challenged the narrative that the existing setup cannot meet professional standards.

“I have no problem with the government getting a sound system or a stage,” Williams said during the exchange. “The issue here is finance.”

He explained that the cost of modern production equipment has increased significantly, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the investment required to keep up with industry demands can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“You imagine you invest 300,000 easily in just two mixing boards… and then you have a performer that wants something different that costs 200,000,” he said while outlining the technical and financial challenges of maintaining high-end sound systems.

Williams maintained that his company already operates equipment used by major international performers.

“Stonewall carries E.A.W. and other top systems,” he said, referring to industry brands. “These are the top names.”

However, he acknowledged that upgrades are always necessary in the evolving live-production industry.

“Of course, you always need improvement,” Williams added, saying that expanding the number of speakers and equipment would further strengthen the system.

Prime Minister Browne, meanwhile, defended the government’s position that Antigua and Barbuda must improve its audio infrastructure as the country seeks to host more international festivals, concerts, and global conferences.

“We have been advised by many that we also need to level up the sound,” Browne said. “Antigua is now mushrooming into a strong festivals and conference destination. We have to be competitive.”

The Prime Minister said several professional reviews have raised concerns about the technical capabilities of the current system and the ability to meet the expectations of major touring acts.

According to Browne, a production management report following the One Nation festival found that while the existing speaker setup was adequate in quantity, the overall public-address system was outdated and might not meet the requirements of large international performances.

“If it is the wish and ambition of the Antiguan government to show international artists and to provide the local populace with a modern standard of production, then the existing system cannot do that,” Browne said while citing feedback received by the government.

He said the government has therefore been advised to consider investing in a modern system that could serve multiple purposes , including conferences, concerts, and major national events, reducing the need to import equipment for large productions.

“We should invest in a system that can be utilized for multiple purposes,” Browne explained, adding that the goal is to “drive down costs” while ensuring the country can stage world-class productions.

Despite the criticism raised in the report, Browne said the government does not intend to exclude Stonewall Sounds from future work.

Instead, he suggested a compromise in which government-owned equipment could be used for large international events , while Stonewall and other local providers continue servicing smaller government functions.

“Nobody is trying to put you out of bread,” Browne said.

Williams indicated he would not oppose such an arrangement.

“I have no problem with that,” he said when asked whether the government using its own sound system for major productions while leaving other events to his company would be acceptable.

The discussion comes as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host several major international events and continues positioning itself as a regional festival and conference destination , with the government weighing whether to acquire its own professional sound infrastructure or partner with local providers to expand existing capabilities.