Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has urged Antiguans and Barbudans to put aside political differences and work together to ensure the successful hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), insisting that the international gathering belongs to the entire nation rather than any political party.

Greene made the appeal during his closing remarks at a CHOGM town hall meeting in St. Paul’s on Tuesday, October 27, as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to welcome Commonwealth leaders from November 1-4.

The minister, who chairs the national CHOGM task force, said the event should be approached as a collective national responsibility, regardless of political affiliation.

“This is an all-of-country arrangement. This is not a political arrangement,” Greene declared.

Addressing those seeking to introduce partisan divisions into discussions surrounding the summit, Greene invoked the colours of the national flag to emphasise his message.

“For those who seek to insert and instill politics, I want to remind us that the only red and blue in CHOGM is if you can add the black, yellow,” he said.

“In other words, this is all of country. The national flag hangs with this one, and together we’ll carry this one.”

Greene used the analogy of an open hand and a clenched fist to illustrate the importance of cooperation.

He explained that while an open hand has fingers pointing in different directions, those same fingers become stronger when brought together.

“I implore us tonight in closing that we adopt that posture of a fist, a fist in triumph, a fist working together to make CHOGM 2026 a resounding success,” he said.

The minister stressed that the success of the gathering would depend on citizens understanding their shared responsibility and contributing to the country’s efforts to welcome international visitors.

Greene also thanked the hundreds of people involved in preparations, including members of the national task force and more than 500 volunteers who will assist across various areas of the summit.

He acknowledged the contributions expected from taxi operators, hoteliers, restaurant owners and Airbnb hosts, saying their hospitality would play an important role in shaping visitors’ experiences.

The foreign minister expressed confidence in the country’s ability to host the gathering successfully, citing the work already undertaken by organisers and the willingness of volunteers to contribute their time and skills.

He said Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation for hospitality would be an important part of the impression left on visiting leaders, delegates and other guests.

Greene’s appeal for unity comes as the country prepares for a series of official meetings, cultural activities and events associated with CHOGM and the visit of King Charles III.

He urged residents to approach the occasion with a shared sense of national purpose.

The summit, he said, would be a success only if citizens worked together with the common objective of advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s interests.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Foreign Minister Chet Greene urges political unity ahead of CHOGM.