The Antiguan government on Wednesday announced that it will not renew the expired private license for managing Antigua Sailing Week, citing disappointment with this year’s event.
Officials have reportedly expressed concern over declining participation, with boat numbers dropping from 142 vessels in previous years to fewer than 50 in recent times.On Wednesday, Cabinet members summoned Senator Philip Shoul, chairman of the National Parks Authority (NPA), and Executive Director Annemarie Martin to provide explanations regarding the management of the annual sailing competition.
The Cabinet was told that in 2007/2008, former Tourism Minister John Maginley privatised Sailing Week by selling the franchise to the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA).
Following this privatisation, a license was granted to a private individual who gained control over determining the events that would characterise Sailing Week.
“The chairman sought and received policy guidelines that will result in Sailing Week continuing at the end of April each year, and that the licence to the private individual, which has expired, will not be renewed,” the Cabinet notes stated.
Moving forward, the government has pledged support for a more inclusive approach to the event’s management.
A committee comprising all stakeholders will be established to plan and execute Sailing Week 2026, with promised backing from the government to revitalise the annual maritime tradition.
