The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has officially been sworn in for a new two-year term, ushering in a renewed commitment to advancing the nation’s cultural and creative industries and to the continued development of world-class festivals and events.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant milestone under the recently enacted Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission legislation, which strengthens the governance framework for managing, promoting, and sustaining the country’s festivals and cultural events.
Having served as Chair of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Board for the past three years, Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul now assumes the role of Chairperson of the newly established Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission.
Her appointment reflects confidence in her leadership, institutional knowledge, and longstanding commitment to strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s festival product. She will be supported by Deputy Chairperson Ryan Johnson and Recording Secretary Larissa Barnes, alongside a dynamic team of professionals and community representatives.
The members of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission are:
- Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul – Chairperson
- Ryan Johnson – Deputy Chairperson
- Larissa Barnes – Recording Secretary
- Annette Aflak – Member
- Khan Cordice – Member
- Yvonne Benjamin – Member
- Dwayne Mussington – Member
- Anika Davis – Member
- Okera Lee – Member
- Terrance Dyett – Member
- Devon Perry – Member
- Calbert Francis – Member
The appointment of the Commission comes at an important time as Antigua and Barbuda continues to enhance its reputation as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival destination while expanding opportunities within the cultural and creative sectors.
The Honourable Dwayne George, Minister responsible for Sports and the Creative Industries , congratulated the newly appointed Commission and underscored the importance of the new legislative framework. “Today marks more than the swearing-in of a Commission; it represents a new era for festival development in Antigua and Barbuda.
The new legislation provides a stronger foundation for governance, accountability, and strategic growth, ensuring that our festivals continue to deliver cultural, social, and economic benefits for our people. I congratulate Chairperson Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul and the entire Commission and look forward to working closely with them as we continue to elevate Antigua Carnival and all national festivals to even greater heights.”
Chairperson Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving and outlined the Commission’s commitment to building on recent successes.“I am deeply honored by the confidence placed in me and my fellow Commissioners.
We recognize the responsibility entrusted to us and remain committed to strengthening our festivals, supporting our creatives, and creating memorable experiences for patrons and visitors alike. With the support of our stakeholders, sponsors, volunteers, and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, we will continue to build a sustainable and internationally competitive festival product.”
Over the next two years, the Commission will focus on enhancing stakeholder engagement, strengthening festival operations, expanding marketing and tourism opportunities, supporting cultural development initiatives, and ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s festivals remain authentic, innovative, and economically impactful.