Some vendors involved in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda were still awaiting payment following the summit, Information Technology Minister Melford Nicholas has acknowledged.

Speaking on Taking Stock on Pointe FM on Nov. 10, Nicholas said he intended to bring the outstanding payments before Cabinet the following day.

“I am going to Cabinet tomorrow with a number of vendors that we still owe,” he said.

Nicholas did not disclose the amount owed, identify the vendors or say when payments would be made.

His acknowledgment came as he defended the government’s staging of CHOGM and discussed the demands of organising the event with limited resources.

Nicholas said the summit had demonstrated Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to host major international gatherings while generating business for hotels, restaurants and smaller accommodation providers.

He cited conversations with restaurant workers and visitors as examples of how spending associated with the summit had reached businesses and households.

The minister also outlined the extensive technical preparations, saying teams worked around the clock to provide connectivity, surveillance and other support across summit venues.

His comments did not establish whether the outstanding vendor payments were overdue under their contractual terms.

Source: Antigua News Room CHOGM vendors still awaiting payment, Nicholas acknowledges.