Minister Maria Browne meets with Spouse of Commonwealth Secretary General
The Honourable Maria Bird-Browne, Minister for Works and Housing, on Friday held discussions with Mr. Cyril Layrea, Spouse of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, as preparations continue for the programme of activities for spouses and partners attending the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
The discussions focused on the schedule of engagements planned for spouses and partners, the themes underpinning the programme, and the importance of creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange and collaboration among representatives from across the Commonwealth.
Minister Browne underscored the importance of ensuring that the spouses’ programme provides an opportunity to showcase Antigua and Barbuda while highlighting issues of shared concern to Commonwealth nations.
She noted that the programme has been designed to go beyond the traditional social engagements associated with high-level meetings, providing a platform for discussion on matters affecting families, communities and vulnerable populations.
“The programme for spouses and partners is an important dimension of our hosting of CHOGM. It provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate the warmth and hospitality of Antigua and Barbuda while creating meaningful spaces for dialogue, partnership and the exchange of ideas. We want our guests to leave not only with wonderful memories of our country but also with a deeper appreciation of the issues that unite us as Commonwealth nations,” Minister Browne said.
Mr. Layrea welcomed the programme and highlighted the importance of using the platform provided by CHOGM to strengthen relationships among spouses and partners while drawing attention to issues that require collective action.
“The engagement of spouses and partners provides a valuable opportunity to bring attention to issues that are central to the well-being and resilience of our communities. Through these activities, we can encourage greater awareness, share experiences and identify opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas such as health, climate resilience and sustainable development,” Mr. Layrea stated.
The programme, scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, will feature a series of engagements designed to combine substantive discussions with opportunities to experience Antigua and Barbuda’s culture, hospitality and natural environment.
A major highlight will be a special session at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre focusing on Cancer Control and Health Systems Strengthening in the Commonwealth, featuring the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth.
The session will bring together leading experts and representatives to examine the Commission’s recommendations and identify opportunities for action. It will include a presentation by Professor Rifat Atun, Chair of the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth, as well as high-level reflections from First Ladies.
A special feature will showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme, demonstrating the country’s efforts to translate recommendations into practical interventions aimed at improving cancer prevention, early detection and access to care.
The session will also feature contributions from representatives of Gavi and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, followed by the official launch of The Lancet Oncology Commission.
Following the conference session, spouses and partners will visit the Friends of the Care Project at the former Holberton Hospital, where they will receive a presentation on the organisation’s work and participate in an engagement with children.
The programme will then continue at The Hut Little Jumby, where participants will engage in discussions under the theme of Commonwealth Togetherness. Minister Browne will address the gathering on the importance of unity and cooperation among Commonwealth nations, while Mr. Layrea will speak on Sustainable and Climate Resilience Partnerships from the Spouses’ Lenses.
Her Excellency Diana Fox Carney will also address the gathering on Economics and Climate Policies Designed for Developing Nations. A cultural presentation will further introduce participants to the rich cultural heritage of Antigua and Barbuda.
Minister Browne expressed confidence that the programme will provide a memorable and meaningful experience for the visiting spouses and partners, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing shared global challenges.
The engagement forms part of Antigua and Barbuda’s wider preparations to host CHOGM 2026 and its visiting delegations, with the country seeking to ensure that every aspect of the meeting reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to partnership, inclusion, resilience and collective progress. (ENDS)
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Minister Maria Browne meets with Spouse of Commonwealth Secretary General to discuss CHOGM Agenda for Spouses and Partners.