Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, met with Commonwealth Secretary- General, the Honourable Shirley Botchwey, for high-level discussions focused on readiness, final preparations and outstanding priorities ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026.
With less than two months before Commonwealth leaders convene in St John’s from 1–4 November, the meeting provided an important opportunity to review progress across key areas of preparation and strengthen coordination between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Discussions covered the state of CHOGM readiness, outstanding priorities requiring attention ahead of November and continued coordination on both the organisational and substantive elements of the meeting.
A key component of the engagement was a briefing on preparations for the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) and the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States (CMMSS), two important ministerial processes within the wider CHOGM programme.
Minister Greene received updates on the development of the respective agendas, key policy considerations, preparations for the meetings and matters requiring continued coordination as the Commonwealth moves towards November.
The discussions also considered follow-up from the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting held earlier this year and preparations for the 27th CFAMM, which will convene during CHOGM 2026 in St John’s. The meeting will provide Commonwealth Foreign Ministers with an important opportunity to consider key policy priorities and advance the substantive Commonwealth agenda ahead of discussions by Heads of Government.
Particular attention was also given to preparations for the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States.
The 2026 meeting, to be held during CHOGM, will be co-chaired by Antigua and Barbuda, as host country, and Maldives. CMMSS provides a dedicated platform for Commonwealth small states to consolidate shared positions and advance their priorities ahead of the deliberations of Heads of Government.
For Antigua and Barbuda, the meeting carries particular significance given the country’s longstanding advocacy on issues affecting Small Island Developing States and Commonwealth small states, including vulnerability, resilience, access to development finance and sustainable economic growth.
Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom and CHOGM 2026 Focal Point, also participated in the meeting. She emphasized the importance of sustained engagement with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Kingdom Government and other key partners to support the preparations for CHOGM 2026.
Minister Greene and High Commissioner Hill underscored the importance of approaching CHOGM 2026 with equal attention to operational readiness and substantive outcomes. Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations are therefore focused not only on successfully hosting Commonwealth leaders, but also on creating an environment in which member states can advance practical cooperation and pursue outcomes of lasting value.
The consultations with the Secretary-General further reinforced the close working relationship between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Secretariat as both sides move through the final stages of preparation.
The engagement forms part of Minister Greene’s wider programme of consultations aimed at ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda enters the November summit prepared not only as host, but as an active contributor to shaping a focused, relevant and forward-looking Commonwealth agenda.
Also attending the meeting was Mr Caleb Gardiner, Third Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Minister Greene and Commonwealth Secretary-General Review Final CHOGM 2026 Preparations and Ministerial Priorities.