The JCI Queen competition will not be held during this year’s Carnival celebrations in Antigua and Barbuda, marking the second consecutive cancellation of the long-running event.

Organisers from the Junior Chamber International (JCI) cited high production costs and a regional decline in pageant participation as reasons for the decision. The development was confirmed by Minister of Creative Industries Daryll Matthew during an interview on ABS’s _First Look_ programme.

“It has been a staple on the Carnival calendar for decades,” Matthew noted. “Last year, we managed to convince them to reconsider, but this year, they’ve once again indicated the show will not be taking place.”

According to the minister, the challenges facing the JCI Queen Show are not unique to Antigua. He said similar events across the Caribbean have been scaled back or cancelled in recent years due to rising expenses, including travel and accommodation costs for contestants and production teams.

“Queen pageants generally throughout the region have been cancelled,” Matthew said. “They are tremendously expensive to put on.”

Last year’s show was salvaged at the last minute thanks to intervention from private sponsors. Matthew expressed hope that a similar effort could materialize again but acknowledged that time is running short.

“We will see what transpires,” he said. “Cruise Port stepped up big time last year to help save the show. Let’s hope another sponsor comes on board.”

The JCI Queen Show has historically served as a platform to showcase poise, intellect and cultural expression, and has been a flagship event on the national Carnival calendar. Its absence leaves a noticeable gap in the festivities, even as preparations ramp up for what is expected to be one of the most vibrant Carnivals in recent memory.

Despite the setback, Minister Matthew reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Carnival in its broader form and called on private stakeholders to help sustain its key events.