分类： politics

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has urged careful consideration of Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s assertion that Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) may be violating the Treaty of Chaguaramas. Speaking at a press conference in Port-of-Spain, Beckles addressed Browne’s concerns regarding T&T’s recent increase in import duties on selected Caricom products. The Treaty of Chaguaramas, signed in 1973, established the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom), with its 2001 revision forming the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), a cornerstone of regional economic integration. Browne emphasized the need to safeguard these integration efforts, warning that weakened trade relations could fragment the bloc. Beckles echoed the gravity of the issue, drawing parallels to geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela and the United States. She highlighted the challenges of attracting investment amid regional instability, referencing the presence of the USS Ford in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar criticized Caricom for siding with Venezuela over T&T, labeling the organization as an ‘unreliable partner.’ Beckles also rebuked Persad-Bissessar’s allegations that the People’s National Movement (PNM) is protecting drug traffickers, calling the claims reckless and divisive. She demanded evidence or an apology, warning that such rhetoric undermines national unity and institutional trust.

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.”

The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda have jointly announced the official theme for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM): ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.’ The announcement was made by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Hon. Gaston Browne, and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, during a launch ceremony that highlighted unity, collaboration, and shared prosperity. The theme underscores the vision for CHOGM 2026, which will convene leaders from 56 Commonwealth nations to foster sustainable investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. Prime Minister Browne emphasized the alignment of the theme with Antigua and Barbuda’s national motto, ‘Each Endeavouring, All Achieving,’ reflecting the nation’s commitment to collective progress. Secretary-General Botchwey highlighted the Commonwealth’s mission to transform ambition into action, building bridges between governments, businesses, and citizens. The event also unveiled the official CHOGM 2026 logo, designed by Ms. Chaneil C. Imhoff, which features an abstract frigate bird symbolizing freedom, strength, and forward movement. The launch ceremony celebrated inclusivity and culture, featuring performances by local artists and the appointment of cricketing legend Sir Vivian Richards as CHOGM 2026 Envoy. Sir Vivian expressed pride in hosting the Commonwealth family, showcasing the nation’s spirit and culture. The event marked the beginning of a public communications campaign leading up to CHOGM 2026, which will take place from November 1–4, 2026, in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. The summit will address critical global priorities, including climate resilience, trade, innovation, equality, and sustainable development.

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has refuted claims of unauthorized American military operations on the island, clarifying that the presence of Canadian military personnel is tied to preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for 2026. In an official statement, the ABDF emphasized that there has been no confirmation or approval of US soldiers conducting surveys or activities in St. John’s or elsewhere on the island. The Canadian officials are engaged in collaborative planning and preparatory exercises to bolster local readiness, coordination, and security for the high-profile international event. The ABDF reaffirmed its dedication to working with regional and international partners to ensure the safety and seamless execution of CHOGM 2026. The public was urged to rely on official ABDF communications for accurate information and to avoid spreading unverified reports. Meanwhile, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey arrived in Antigua and Barbuda for planning meetings, expressing enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts leading up to CHOGM 2026. During her visit, she is set to meet with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne to discuss strategies for fostering shared prosperity across the Commonwealth’s 56 member states.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda’s role as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) presents a transformative opportunity to rejuvenate the nation’s economy, attract foreign investment, and elevate its global profile. Speaking at the official launch event held at Sandals Grande Antigua, Browne highlighted the significance of the summit, scheduled for November 1–4, 2026, as a pivotal moment for the twin-island nation. The gathering will bring together leaders and delegates from the 56-member Commonwealth, fostering economic activity and international attention. Browne underscored the importance of collective effort, stating, “This is a proud moment. We have to work to achieve it. Mere words will not achieve it.” High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Karen-Mae Hill, projected that the event would draw between 6,000 and 7,000 visitors, including heads of government, diplomats, and civil-society representatives. She described the summit as a platform to “reboot our economy, share our credentials with the world, and shape the agenda of the Commonwealth for the next five years and beyond.” Browne expressed confidence in his administration’s ability to surpass previous standards, vowing to “exceed all expectations” for the 2026 event. He also framed the occasion as a chance for small nations to demonstrate leadership on the global stage, citing Antigua and Barbuda’s successful hosting of past international conferences, such as the UN SIDS4 and the OAS General Assembly. “Antigua and Barbuda will once again rise to the occasion,” he affirmed, urging citizens to unite in support of the preparations.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has urged Commonwealth nations to engage in candid and constructive discussions on reparations for slavery and colonialism, framing the issue as a matter of justice and reconciliation rather than assigning blame. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda will host, Browne emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices within the Commonwealth family. He stated that the government “will not use the issue of reparations to shame any nation,” but instead called for honest dialogue to establish a framework for resolving the issue in a mutually satisfactory manner. Browne highlighted the Commonwealth’s historical leadership in combating apartheid and advocating for climate action, urging the organization to take a similar stance on reparations. He described the issue as part of a broader moral duty to correct past wrongs and promote equitable development among nations. Browne’s appeal aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s agenda for CHOGM 2026, which focuses on accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous Commonwealth. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for small states to advocate for fairness and inclusion in global policy, including economic redress and reform. Browne’s remarks positioned reparations alongside other key priorities such as climate resilience, international financial reform, and global peace, as part of a transformative agenda for the upcoming CHOGM.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Winston Baldwin Spencer has intensified calls for an independent investigation into the vehicle procurement and distribution scandal at Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Works. Dr. Spencer criticized Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s resistance to a public inquiry, labeling it as “hypocrisy” given Browne’s previous actions against opposition figures for minor issues. Speaking at a protest outside the Ministry of Works, Spencer expressed his full support for the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) demand for an impartial probe to uncover the truth and restore public trust. He emphasized the need for a transparent process free from political interference, stating, “The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is really down the pits with all these things happening.” Spencer also challenged Browne’s assertion that an inquiry would merely be a “name and shame exercise,” pointing out that Browne had previously pursued legal action against former ministers for misuse of government vehicles. He suggested that Browne’s reluctance stems from his and his wife’s alleged involvement in the scandal. Spencer praised the UPP’s call for justice, asserting that those found culpable must face consequences. Additionally, he condemned Browne’s dismissive remarks about national hero Sir Vivian Richards, who had called for accountability in the scandal, describing Browne’s comments as “most unfortunate.” Spencer’s statements coincided with a UPP-led protest outside the Ministry of Works, where opposition members demanded an independent investigation into the alleged misuse of government resources.