In a formal display of support for homegrown creative talent, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has pledged to continue nurturing 21-year-old Antiguan visual artist Kimberly Pimentel, after she presented her original Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026-themed work during Wednesday’s weekly Cabinet gathering.
Pimentel was handpicked by the CHOGM 2026 Outreach Committee to take on the creative commission: crafting a one-of-a-kind piece that would embody the unique spirit of Antigua and Barbuda as it prepares to host the 2026 iteration of this major international summit. The finished work weaves together iconic elements of the nation’s natural landscapes, centuries-old cultural traditions, and core national identity, while also underscoring the historical importance of Antigua and Barbuda stepping into the global spotlight as the host of this high-profile event.
During her appearance at the meeting, Pimentel walked Cabinet members through the conceptual framework of her artwork, breaking down the personal and national inspirations that shaped each creative choice she made. In response, Cabinet members voiced widespread admiration for Pimentel’s work, framing continued support for the young artist as a core component of the government’s broader push to elevate emerging local talent and foster a thriving creative ecosystem across the twin-island nation.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the Honorable member for St. John’s City East, publicly welcomed the outreach initiative and extended his personal gratitude to Pimentel for her meaningful contribution to the national preparations for CHOGM 2026.
Briana Anthony, lead for the CHOGM 2026 Outreach initiative and Public Relations Officer for the planning committee, explained that the project grew out of the committee’s core mission: connecting with everyday Antiguans and Barbudans through a diverse range of accessible platforms, ensuring that the message and excitement around the 2026 summit reaches people across every sector, community, and interest group.
“We made a conscious decision that our outreach couldn’t be limited to traditional political or policy spaces – it has to meet people where they are, whether that’s in creative communities, local arts scenes, or neighborhood groups,” Anthony noted. “It felt perfectly natural to challenge Kimberly to use her remarkable artistic talent to help us expand our outreach and create a new, relatable pathway for people across the country to engage with CHOGM 2026. Her work does double duty: it showcases the incredible skill of a young Antiguan creator, while also telling a distinctly Antiguan story as we get ready to welcome delegates and visitors from across the Commonwealth.”
For her part, Pimentel says she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the national CHOGM 2026 effort, and for the unwavering support she has received from the government of Antigua and Barbuda as she advances her creative career.
“This opportunity has allowed me to share my art with the nation and contribute to something that will put Antigua and Barbuda on the global map,” Pimentel shared. “I couldn’t have asked for a better platform to grow as an artist, and I’m thankful for the government’s belief in young creative talent like me.”