As the VIBES and excitement builds for Antigua Carnival 2025, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has placed public health, safety, and security at the forefront of its planning efforts to ensure a safe and seamless Carnival season for all.

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, ABFC spearheaded a high-level stakeholder meeting aimed at enhancing safety protocols and strengthening collaborative action ahead of the Carnival season.

The meeting brought together key agencies including:

• Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF)
• Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (Traffic and Major Events Department)
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Private Security Services
• St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC)
• Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross
• National Office of Disaster Services (NODS)
• Central Board of Health (CBH)

The strategic meeting focused on several critical areas of enhancement, including:

• Reactivation of the Carnival Venue Operations Center (VOC) to coordinate emergency responses in real-time.
• Installation of updated signage to clearly mark emergency exits and improve crowd flow.
• Implementation of crowd management measures at the Antigua Recreation Grounds to monitor capacity and allow for rapid, controlled evacuations if needed.
• Parade strict enforcement as it relates to Mas Bands adherence to the established safety and security measures along with establishing bi-routes along the Parade routes for emergency vehicles.
• Deployment of a Mass Evacuation Plan supported by all emergency response stakeholders.

This unified and proactive approach demonstrates the collective commitment of all parties to deliver a Carnival experience that is not only VIBES and excitement but also responsibly managed and secure.

“Our duty is to ensure that every participant, whether resident or visitor, not only feels safe but is safe in every angle at all times. This cross collaboration with our Government stakeholders is a testament to our deep commitment to public health and safety,” said Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the ABFC.

The Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, echoed the sentiment: “Safety is a must!” He continued “Health, safety, and security are pillars of this administration’s mandate, and I commend ABFC and all stakeholder’s who were present at this integral meeting for their unwavering commitment in ensuring that Carnival 2025 is free of incidents.”

ABFC will continue to engage stakeholders and the wider public in the coming weeks as it rolls out operational updates leading up to the official start of Antigua Carnival 2025 – Itz A Vibe!