The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission says it will pay outstanding Schools Panorama participants this week, after months of delays sparked protests from steelbands.

Commission chair Elizabeth “Lisa” Makhoul said the overdue payments, some dating back to October, are now being addressed and will be settled in the coming days.

Frustration boiled over Friday during Panache Steel Orchestra’s “Lovers Rock” Block-o-rama, where senior bands staged a unified protest. Panache captain Maurisha Potter said local musicians are repeatedly left waiting for payment while foreign performers are paid on time. Pan leaders Cuthbert “Tiny” Thomas and Derel Jarvis also called for collective action and rejected selective meetings with the Commission.

Despite the dispute, musicians highlighted the role of steelpan in youth development, describing the panyard as a space that promotes discipline and keeps young people away from crime.