Prize winners for the 2011 Carnival celebrations have been paid only five weeks before they are due to yet again showcase their skills for this year’s festivities.

Culture Minister Eleston Adams has given the clearest indication yet of when victorious Carnival contenders will get their prize monies, promising the payout in a matter of weeks.

Carnival players have put down their feet, demanding the payment of more than $700,000 in prize monies and are giving the Carnival Development Committee (CDC) early notice that late payment will not be tolerated in 2012.

Minister of Culture Eleston “Namba” Adams said he is standing firm on a new $50 registration fee for the Calypso and Party Monarch competitions.

Calypsonians are on board with a Carnival Development Committee (CDC) decision to increase the number of semi-finalists and finalists. But they are firmly opposed to the reduction in appearance fees.

A number of prominent football figures have voiced their concerns over what they are calling a blatant lack of willingness by Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) to give back financially to the clubs and players who participate in the local competitions on an annual basis.

Prize monies for the winning clubs in the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) leagues have been increased.