Antigua Moves Ahead with November Commonwealth Summit Preparations

Preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, scheduled to be held in November, have reached an advanced stage, according to an update provided to the government.

Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant said Cabinet was informed that planning teams are fully established and operational as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host the international summit later this year.

“Planning has reached an advanced stage with all teams fully established and operational,” Merchant said during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

He said the meeting is expected to take place from November 1 to November 5, with coordination underway between government ministries, the Commonwealth Secretariat and other relevant organizations.

Merchant said inter-ministry cooperation has improved significantly and that operational planning and execution training delivered by the Canadian military in December has strengthened national readiness.

“Inter-ministry cooperation has improved significantly, strengthening national readiness and reducing execution risks,” he said.

He said accommodation has been identified as a critical and time-sensitive area as the country prepares to host thousands of delegates.

“Accommodation was highlighted as a critical and time-sensitive work stream,” Merchant said, adding that known risks are being actively managed.

Merchant said contingency options are being considered should land-based accommodation prove insufficient.

“If there is a challenge in land-based accommodation, they can address the accommodation issue… through probably acquiring a cruise ship to provide accommodations,” he said.

He said the CHOGM budget is nearing completion and is expected to be presented at the next Cabinet meeting. Security planning is also progressing, with senior security officials scheduled to brief Cabinet.

“They are anticipated to be over 50 heads attending, along with the King and the Queen of the Commonwealth,” Merchant said.

Merchant said the update reflects continued progress toward delivering a secure, well-coordinated and successful CHOGM 2026.

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