The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) today met with the executive of the National Soca Fraternity to address concerns surrounding two competitors who were judged ahead of the official quarterfinal round of the Party Monarch Competition.
The meeting, held on Friday, July 4th, was chaired by the Minister with responsibility for Carnival, the Honourable Daryll Matthew, and included representatives from the Festivals Commission as well as the executive body of the National Soca Fraternity, led by Chairman Peetron Thomas.
It was acknowledged by all parties that the earlier judging of the two competitors resulted from a misalignment in the dates communicated — a discrepancy between what was publicly announced and what was formally shared with participants. This led to scheduling conflicts for the artists involved, who had already made travel arrangements based on the initial information. It is important to note that this situation occurred through no fault of the artists.
In a spirit of fairness and collaboration, the National Soca Fraternity proposed the following resolution:
The two affected competitors, along with the next five placing artistes (positions 16-20) in both the Groovy and Jumpy segments of the competition, will participate in a live performance round judged by the same panel as the original quarterfinal event.
This recommendation was accepted by the Minister of Festivals and the Festivals Commission, with the full support of both parties. The live performance round will take place at Jam Session on Thursday, July 10th, and the top performers from each category will qualify for the semifinal stage of the Party Monarch Competition.
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission thanks the National Soca Fraternity and the broader soca community for their continued engagement.
“Together, we are committed to delivering a Party Monarch Competition that reflects the true spirit of Carnival — one that is fair, inclusive, and full of energy. With the support of our artistes, judges, and fans, we look forward to an unforgettable season of music, culture, and celebration. Let the vibes begin!”
— Honourable Daryll Matthew
Minister with responsibility for Carnival