UK to Help Antigua and Barbuda Boost Cybersecurity Before CHOGM 2026

Antigua and Barbuda Strengthens Cybersecurity Readiness Ahead of CHOGM 2026 Through UK Partnership

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda –28 July 2026 – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has taken another significant step towards strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity resilience with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Information, Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities, and Energy and the United Kingdom.

The agreement reinforces the long-standing partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom while enhancing the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats, particularly as preparations continue for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Hon. MelfordNicholas, Minister responsible for ICTs, Utilities, and Energy, welcomed the collaboration, noting that cybersecurity has become an essential pillar of national development and international cooperation.

The Minister stated that every advancement in digital transformation brings new cyber risks, making it imperative for governments to continuously strengthen their protection, prevention, and incident response capabilities. He noted that the technical assistance provided under the Memorandum of Understanding will further enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s existing Cyber Incident Response Team (CERT) while providing additional expertise that will benefit the country long after CHOGM 2026.

The Resident British Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. John Hamilton MBE, highlighted that cybersecurity is no longer simply a technical issue, but a matter of national security closely linked to economic stability, public confidence, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

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Mr. Hamilton announced that, through the partnership, the United Kingdom will provide incident response and cyber management support to assist Antigua and Barbuda during preparations for CHOGM 2026.                                                                

The support package also includes the donation of ten laptop computers to the Directorate of Cyber Security to strengthen its operational capacity. Director Mrs. Gordina Hector-Murrell stated that the agreement reinforces the long-standing partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom, while also enhancing the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats—particularly as preparations continue for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Both parties emphasized that the collaboration is designed to leave a lasting legacy by building institutional capacity, strengthening cyber governance, and fostering continued cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom.

Minister Nicholas further explained that the Government intends to continue expanding the country’s national cybersecurity framework by broadening stakeholder participation across various sectors, including telecommunications, utilities, banking, healthcare, ports, and law enforcement. He stressed that protecting critical digital infrastructure remains fundamental to safeguarding national security and economic resilience.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s continued commitment to building a secure digital environment while ensuring the country is fully prepared to host one of the Commonwealth’s most significant international gatherings.

The Ministry of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy extends sincere appreciation to the Government of the United Kingdom for its continued partnership and support in advancing cybersecurity capacity and strengthening digital resilience for the benefit of all citizens.

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