The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has congratulated sixteen-year-old Rodajah Imani, a first-year Visual Arts and Cultural Production student at the Dr Alister Francis Campus of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), following her success in the competition to design the coin for the CHOGM 2026 cricket match.
Imani made a presentation of her winning design to Cabinet, where she received congratulations from the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet for her creativity and achievement in a competition that celebrates the connection between cricket, youth and Commonwealth unity.
The competition was launched in September 2026 and invited students of ABCAS to submit original designs under the theme “One Commonwealth, One Team.” The winning design is featured on the coin used for the toss at the Commonwealth cricket match, which forms part of activities associated with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The design reflects the spirit of the competition by bringing together Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural identity, its cricketing heritage and the shared values of the Commonwealth.
The front of the coin features a batsman inspired by photographs of former West Indies cricketers Winston Benjamin and Carl Hooper. The image is complemented by a wicket and the Shekerley Mountain Range, while the sun and sea represent Antigua and Barbuda. The year 2026 and the CHOGM inscription identify the occasion, while a chain of linked human figures symbolizes unity, partnership and economic collaboration among Commonwealth nations.
The reverse features the same chain of linked figures surrounding the official CHOGM 2026 logo, which incorporates Antigua and Barbuda’s national bird, the frigate bird. The design also includes the inscriptions “Antigua & Barbuda” and the CHOGM theme, “Accelerating Partnerships & Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
Imani’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given her age and developing artistic career. Her interest in drawing began in Grade Five and grew into a more serious pursuit during her third-form years. She has described art as a means of expressing ideas, imagination and emotion, and takes pride in transforming her concepts into finished designs.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet commended Imani for demonstrating the talent and creative potential of Antigua and Barbuda’s young people. Her accomplishment highlights the importance of providing opportunities for students to apply their skills and contribute to national and international events.
The winning design also demonstrates how young people can use their creativity to communicate national identity while expressing broader ideals of friendship, teamwork and cooperation among nations.
The coin is being manufactured by Vaughtons, a British company with a long history in medal and coin production. In addition to producing the cricket match coin, Vaughtons is sponsoring CHOGM 2026 through the manufacture of 5,000 commemorative CHOGM medals and 180 medals marking Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of independence. These medals will be distributed to visiting dignitaries, delegates and personnel.
Cabinet’s recognition of Imani underscores the Government’s appreciation for the contribution of young creatives to national development and the importance of showcasing Antiguan and Barbudan talent on the international stage.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Cabinet Congratulates Winner of CHOGM 2026 Cricket Match Coin Design Competition.