The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey and senior officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat have arrived in Antigua and Barbuda ahead of the official launch of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026.
The Secretary-General and her team were warmly received 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, on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Gaston Browne and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene. They were joined by Her Excellency Karen- Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, who extended a heartfelt welcome to the Secretary-General and her team.
The visit marks the beginning of a week of official engagements, including the Secretary- General’s participation in the launch of CHOGM 2026 alongside Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, and meetings with members of the CHOGM 2026 Task Force to review ongoing preparations for the upcoming summit.
On arrival in Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey said: “It is a pleasure to be in Antigua and Barbuda as we take the first steps on our shared journey towards CHOGM 2026. This beautiful country embodies the warmth, resilience, and partnership that define the Commonwealth. I look forward to meeting leaders, young people, and communities here to celebrate the spirit of collaboration that drives us all, and to build momentum for a CHOGM that delivers real impact and shared prosperity across our 56 member states.”
During her visit, the Secretary-General will also join Antigua and Barbuda in celebrating its 44th Anniversary of Independence, underscoring the enduring partnership between the Commonwealth and its member states, and will meet with Their Excellencies Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda and Lady Williams.
His Excellency Dr Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, said: “We are honoured to welcome the Commonwealth Secretary-General and her delegation to our shores. Their arrival marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Antigua and Barbuda as we prepare to host one of the most significant gatherings of world leaders. We look forward to showcasing our nation’s warmth, hospitality, and leadership within the global family of the Commonwealth.”
Ann-Marie Layne, Director General of Foreign Affairs, added: “This visit reinforces our strong partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and underscores our government’s commitment to ensuring that CHOGM 2026 is both historic and impactful. We are ready to demonstrate Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity to convene, collaborate, and lead on issues that matter to our people and the wider Commonwealth.”
Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, said: “Hosting CHOGM 2026 presents tremendous opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda, from strengthening trade and investment to building new partnerships across the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General’s visit helps set the stage for a successful summit that will deliver real benefits to our people.”
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