His Excellency Dr. Clarence Pilgrim Concludes High-Level Engagements in London to Advance Preparations for CHOGM 2026
London, UK – His Excellency Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, has concluded a series of high-level engagements in London this week, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to delivering a successful Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026.
On 16 September 2025, Dr. Pilgrim visited the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough House where he held consultations with senior officials, including Ambassador Kwabena Osei-Danquah, Chief of Staff to the Secretary-General. Discussions focused on strategic and logistical preparations for CHOGM 2026, including coordination, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
Further meetings were convened with Mr. John Virgoe, UK Commonwealth Envoy; Mr. Anthony Henderson, Head of Events, Special Projects, and Communications; and Mr. Dominic Goggins, Public Affairs Adviser to the Secretary-General. The delegation also engaged with the CHOGM Security Coordination Team, comprising representatives from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the CARICOM Regional Security System (RSS), and other supporting member states, to review security and operational planning.
Additionally, Dr. Pilgrim met with the leads for the CHOGM Youth, Women, People’s, and Business Forums, reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to hosting an inclusive and impactful summit that reflects the diversity and priorities of the Commonwealth family.
During his visit, the Permanent Secretary also paid an official call on the High Commission of Antigua and Barbuda in London, where he held in-depth discussions with High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill and diplomatic staff. These discussions centred on the High Commission’s critical role in supporting CHOGM 2026 preparations and strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic engagement across the Commonwealth.
In a separate engagement, His Excellency attended the inaugural ‘Antigua and Barbuda Networking Mixer’ hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority in the United Kingdom. The event brought together diaspora changemakers and celebrated the nation’s rich cultural heritage through live performances and food heritage storytelling. In brief remarks, Dr. Pilgrim commended the Tourism Authority for spearheading this initiative, highlighting the importance of strengthening diaspora connections and showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s culture on the international stage.
Reflecting on the series of engagements, Dr. Pilgrim stated:
“Antigua and Barbuda is honoured to welcome the Commonwealth family in 2026. Our mission is to deliver a CHOGM that is secure, inclusive, and solutions-oriented – one that amplifies the voices of all member states, especially Small Island Developing States, and charts a path for a more resilient and sustainable Commonwealth. The collaboration and support we have received from partners in London this week have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this momentum as we move closer to CHOGM 2026.”
These engagements underscore Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering commitment to hosting a CHOGM that is not only logistically seamless but also a celebration of the values, voices, and shared vision of the Commonwealth.
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