The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey met today with members of the Antigua and Barbuda CHOGM 2026 Task Force as part of her official visit to review preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026.

The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Dr Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the CHOGM 2026 Task Force. Also in attendance was Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, who serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s National Focal Point to the Commonwealth, Mrs Ann-Marie Layne, Director General of Foreign Affairs, and Vernon Solomon the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of the American University of Antigua.

The Secretary-General was briefed on the work being undertaken by the Task Force across key operational areas, including logistics, accommodation, transport, security, communications, and hospitality. Discussions also focused on ensuring strong collaboration between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Secretariat, with an emphasis on the use of local expertise and partnerships to deliver an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable CHOGM.

In her address, the Secretary-General commended the team for its commitment and attention to detail, noting that the successful delivery of CHOGM 2026 will not only strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s global profile but also showcase the capabilities of small island developing states within the Commonwealth.

His Excellency Dr. Pilgrim expressed appreciation for the Secretary-General’s visit and her continued guidance, reaffirming that the Task Force is dedicated to ensuring that the 2026 Meeting reflects the values of the Commonwealth and creates lasting economic and social benefits for Antigua and Barbuda.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued coordination between the Government and the Secretariat to ensure a world-class event under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”