During her official visit to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey, convened with the CHOGM 2026 Task Force to assess progress for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. The meeting, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Task Force, included key stakeholders such as Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the UK, Mrs. Ann-Marie Layne, Director General of Foreign Affairs, and Vernon Solomon, Chief Operating Officer of the American University of Antigua. Discussions centered on critical operational areas like logistics, security, communications, and hospitality, with a focus on leveraging local expertise and fostering partnerships to ensure an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable event. Secretary-General Botchwey praised the Task Force’s dedication, emphasizing that a successful CHOGM 2026 would elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s global standing and highlight the capabilities of small island developing states within the Commonwealth. Dr. Pilgrim expressed gratitude for the Secretary-General’s guidance, reaffirming the Task Force’s commitment to aligning the event with Commonwealth values and generating lasting economic and social benefits for the nation. The meeting concluded with a unified pledge to enhance collaboration between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Secretariat, aiming to deliver a world-class event under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
Commonwealth Secretary-General Praises Antigua and Barbuda’s Readiness for CHOGM 2026
