The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey, along with senior officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda to kickstart preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. The delegation was warmly welcomed at the V.C. Bird International Airport by His Excellency Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mrs. Ann-Marie Layne, Director General of Foreign Affairs, representing Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne and Foreign Minister Hon. E.P. Chet Greene. Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, also extended a warm greeting to the visiting team. This visit marks the beginning of a week-long series of official engagements, including the launch of CHOGM 2026 and meetings with the CHOGM 2026 Task Force to assess progress. Secretary-General Botchwey expressed her enthusiasm, stating, ‘Antigua and Barbuda embodies the warmth, resilience, and partnership that define the Commonwealth. I look forward to collaborating with leaders, youth, and communities to ensure CHOGM 2026 delivers real impact and shared prosperity across our 56 member states.’ The visit coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Anniversary, highlighting the enduring partnership between the Commonwealth and its member states. Dr. Pilgrim emphasized the significance of hosting such a prestigious event, while Mrs. Layne reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making CHOGM 2026 historic and impactful. High Commissioner Hill echoed these sentiments, underscoring the nation’s readiness to lead and collaborate on global issues.
Commonwealth Secretary-General and Secretariat Team Arrive in Antigua and Barbuda
