The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, is set to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, November 3, for a pivotal two-day visit. This visit marks the official commencement of the country’s preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Botchwey will land at V.C. Bird International Airport via a British Airways flight from London, where she will be greeted with an official welcome in the VIP Lounge. This visit highlights the strong partnership between the Commonwealth and Antigua and Barbuda as the twin-island nation gears up to welcome leaders from the 56-member Commonwealth family next year. On the evening of her arrival, the Secretary-General will attend the Independence Ceremonial Parade at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, joining dignitaries and government officials in commemorating the nation’s 44th anniversary of Independence. The official launch of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of CHOGM 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, at the Sandals Antigua Grand Resort and Spa. This ceremony will reveal the official dates, logo, and theme for the upcoming summit, signaling the start of a year-long intensive preparation period. Later that afternoon, Botchwey is expected to meet with the government’s CHOGM Task Force at the American University of Antigua (AUA) to review logistical and operational plans for the event.
Secretary-General to Visit Antigua for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026 Launch
