Antigua and Barbuda sees its hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as a defining moment for the country as it prepares to welcome more than five thousand visitors to its shores for the November 1 – 4, 2026 meeting.
The observation was made by Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, as both he and Lady Williams, hosted the visiting Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Botchwey, at an official dinner on Tuesday night at Carlisle Bay.
The dinner was held in in celebration of the official launch of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which took place on Tuesday 4th November at Sandals Grande Antigua.
In his remarks, Sir Rodney expressed Antigua and Barbuda’s deep sense of pride in welcoming the Secretary-General for this momentous occasion.
“Antigua and Barbuda was truly honoured to have her come to our shores to officially launch CHOGM 2026,” said Sir Rodney. “This marks a significant milestone for our nation as we prepare to host leaders from across the Commonwealth and showcase our commitment to global partnership and sustainable development.”
According to the Governor General as the country moves toward CHOGM 2026, Antigua and Barbuda is determined to demonstrate that small states can have a big voice on the global stage. “We are building a legacy of inclusion, innovation, and resilience that will inspire the Commonwealth for generations to come,” said Sir Rodney.
Along with the Secretary General, the distinguished attendees were; Chief of Staff to the Secretary-General, Ambassador Kwabena Osei-Danquah;, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, Karen-Mae Hill, accompanied by Second Secretary Mr. Brent Scotland ; Deputy British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Charley Williams and Resident British Commissioner John Hamilton; and other members from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Secretary-General Botchwey commended Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership and vision, noting that CHOGM 2026 will serve as a platform for meaningful collaboration among member states.
“At a time when the world faces mounting global challenges, from climate change to economic vulnerability, it is vital that we recognise the strength within our Commonwealth family,” the Secretary-General stated. “Together, we can contribute a fair share of our own solutions—meeting our needs and addressing the issues that most affect our small and vulnerable states.”
The evening also featured discussions on ongoing preparations for CHOGM 2026, including infrastructure readiness, cultural programming, and youth engagement initiatives aimed at making the upcoming summit a landmark event in the region.
The dinner concluded with renewed optimism and commitment to ensuring that CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda becomes a historic gathering that advances unity, resilience, and prosperity across the Commonwealth.
