Photo credit: goodhumans268
In a stunning sustainability display for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) now underway at Sandals Grande Resort, approximately 84,047 bottle caps have been transformed into an artistic display of the fifty-six (56) country flags spanning Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific.
The recycling project, valued at more than XCD $40,500, was organized by local non-profit Good Humans 268 Inc. with support from the Sandals Foundation.
The flag-making phase engaged 698 students and at least 54 teachers from 39 schools, supported by 35 additional individuals involved in preparation, creation and installation.
The installation features 55 hand-built and hand-painted country flags, alongside an Antigua and Barbuda display flag, bringing the total to 56. Production involved 15 working days, comprising 10 full working days and five preparatory days at John Hughes.
International attendees of the CHOGM will be welcomed by an element of the masterpiece as a large Antigua & Barbuda flag is now being displayed inside the V.C. Bird International Airport and throughout the conference.
The full bunting of recycled bottle cap flags will adorn the Queen Elizabeth Highway.
Following the close of the CHOGM, the flag display will be transported to six public locations around the island to further the sustainability awareness and message.
President of The Good Humans 268, Joshuanette Francis says the project is hoped to raise national consciousness and evoke change. “As Antigua proudly hosts these global leaders, we wanted to create a symbol that communicated to the world that sustainability is part of who we are. Our goal is to change legislation about waste management, to empower people to be active stewards of their community and the environment. Most importantly, we wanted to showcase the beauty of waste and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices,” she said.
The CHOGM Recycling Project is the latest in a series of environmental initiatives the Sandals Foundation has supported with The Good Humans 268. The Good Humans 268 has led a series of recycling initiatives across schools in Antigua since it was founded in 2023.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation says the project was perfectly aligned to the mission of the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, as it actively engaged students as change makers.
“This project is about more than art. It is about raising a generation of Caribbean citizens who understand that every bottle cap, every recycled item and every small action counts towards a more resilient future. The Sandals Foundation is honoured to invest in that vision alongside The Good Humans 268.”
This is the first time CHOGM is being hosted in Antigua and Barbuda. Heads of Government, Ministers and representatives from business, civil society and youth organisations will convene to discuss climate resilient, sustainable development and other crucial matters from Nov 1- 4. It is anticipated that roughly five thousand people will be visiting the island for the event.
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This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: From Bottle Caps to International Flags: Antiguan Students Showcase Dynamic Sustainability Display for the Historic Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.