Antigua & Barbuda withdraws from hosting CARIFESTA XV

Antigua and Barbuda has officially withdrawn from hosting CARIFESTA XV, which was scheduled for August 2022.

This as the country continues to battle significant challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement issued by the CARIFESTA Office in Antigua today, the government, in consultation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, advised that it had taken the difficult decision to withdraw.

Minister of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries Daryll Matthew said the decision followed a careful examination of current epidemiological and economic circumstances, noting the country was saddened by the development.

The twin-island nation was originally to host the 15th edition of the festival in August last year under the theme ‘One People. One Environment. Diverse Cultures’, but the regional festival was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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