Amanze Chinonye
Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched its journey to hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), unveiling the summit’s theme as “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
The announcement, jointly made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at a ceremony held at Sandals Grande Antigua, marks the first official visit of the Secretary-General to the twin-island nation.
According to Prime Minister Browne, the theme reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s enduring belief in unity, progress, and equality among nations.
“The theme speaks to a truth we live by in Antigua and Barbuda: when each of us plays our part in our homes, our communities, and our nations, we all move forward,” he said.
“It echoes our national motto, ‘Each Endeavouring, All Achieving,’ reminding us that real progress happens when we work together to build a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
The Secretary-General, in her remarks, said the theme encapsulates the Commonwealth’s modern vision of collaboration and action.
“This theme captures the spirit of partnership and enterprise that defines the modern Commonwealth,” Botchwey noted. “Together, we are building bridges of opportunity between governments and business, between people and ideas, to deliver tangible results for our citizens.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the official CHOGM 2026 logo, designed by Chaneil C. Imhoff, winner of a national logo competition.
The design features an abstract frigate bird, a symbol of freedom and strength, using colours from the Antiguan flag and the Commonwealth palette to represent unity and renewal.
In line with the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, the launch brought together representatives from civil society, youth organisations, Rastafarian communities, and the private sector. Performances by the Hellsgate Steel Orchestra, Antigua Dance Academy, and the UWI Five Islands Campus Singers showcased the nation’s vibrant culture.
A major highlight of the event was the appointment of cricket legend and national hero Sir Vivian Richards as the official CHOGM 2026 Envoy.
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Reflecting on the honour, Sir Vivian said the summit would be a defining moment for Antigua and Barbuda.
“To have the entire Commonwealth family gather here in 2026 will make it more than a meeting, it will be a statement and a moment of immense pride for our people,” he said. “We look forward to showcasing that the same spirit that drove us to success on the cricket pitch still runs strong in our culture and future.”
The Secretary-General’s visit, which runs from 3–5 November 2025, also coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Her engagements included meetings with national leaders, a site inspection with the CHOGM 2026 Task Force, and participation in the Independence Parade.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene, described the launch as a “culmination of extensive collaboration” between the government and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
“We are proud to take this step forward and reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that bind our Commonwealth family together,” he said.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 will take place from 1- 4 November 2026 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, bringing together leaders from 56 member states, along with representatives of business, civil society, and youth organisations.
The summit will focus on shared priorities such as climate resilience, trade, innovation, equality, and sustainable development, under the banner of partnership and prosperity.
The Commonwealth represents a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states, home to 2.7 billion people, with over 60 per cent under the age of 29.
Thirty-three of these nations are small states, many being island countries like Antigua and Barbuda, linked by shared values of democracy, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
