Ambassador Makhoul Leads Newly Sworn in Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission as Carnival Season Approaches

With Antigua Carnival just weeks away, the nation’s premier cultural body has been formally reconstituted under a strengthened legislative framework, with a twelve-member Commission sworn in for a new two-year term at a ceremony that signals a new era of governance for Antigua and Barbuda’s festival sector.

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.

Makhoul Transitions from Board to Commission

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 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.

Full Commission Membership

The full membership of the newly sworn-in Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission is: Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul (Chairperson), Ryan Johnson (Deputy Chairperson), Larissa Barnes (Recording Secretary), Annette Aflak, Khan Cordice, Yvonne Benjamin, Dwayne Mussington, Anika Davis, Okera Lee, Terrance Dyett, Devon Perry, and Calbert Francis.

A New Legislative Foundation

Sports and Creative Industries Minister the Honourable Dwayne George framed the swearing-in as more than a routine administrative exercise.

“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,” George said. “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’s Pledge

Ambassador Makhoul accepted the mandate with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility.

“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,” she said.

The Road Ahead

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.

The Commission takes office as Antigua and Barbuda positions itself as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival destination — a brand that the new body will be expected to protect, strengthen, and build upon in the months and years ahead.