Antigua and Barbuda’s National Performing Arts Centre missed its September 30 handover deadline, leaving less time for preparations ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The government had expected to hand over the Performing Arts Centre by September 30. Organisers would then have about one month to test the venue and prepare it for Commonwealth leaders.

CHOGM will take place from November 1 to 4. The missed deadline has therefore reduced the time available to prepare the Performing Arts Centre for the meeting.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed the delay during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

Merchant said the latest issue involves certification for materials needed to suspend speakers and other multimedia equipment from the building’s roof.

The required certification must come before workers can install the equipment safely.

Merchant indicated that the Performing Arts Centre itself is substantially ready. He said the remaining work focuses on the technical installation rather than major structural construction.

The latest delay therefore involves equipment needed for the Performing Arts Centre. Workers must first secure the required certification before they can complete that part of the installation.

The government had repeatedly maintained that the Performing Arts Centre would meet the September 30 deadline. That date would have provided organisers with a month to carry out testing and other preparations.

October has now arrived without the planned handover. Organisers have less time to prepare the venue before CHOGM begins.

The Performing Arts Centre, located at the former Deluxe Cinema on High Street, is being prepared for the November meeting.

Merchant’s comments indicate that the building has reached a substantially completed stage. The outstanding work involves certification and the installation of speakers and other multimedia equipment.

The Performing Arts Centre will therefore require the remaining technical work before organisers can complete their preparations for CHOGM.

With the September 30 deadline missed, the available preparation period has been shortened. The next steps depend on securing the necessary certification and completing the outstanding technical installation.