Antiguans and Barbudans are being reminded of the collective effort that is required to ensure the success of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for 1st-4th November, 2026 in Saint John’s.
High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill has described the upcoming summit as a “whole of government” and “whole of country” effort, while highlighting the critical role volunteers, citizens and residents will play in shaping the experience of thousands of visitors that are expected to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda.
The senior diplomat praised the professionalism and warmth shown by local volunteers during the SIDS 4 Conference hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, recalling her own experience interacting with volunteers at the American University of Antigua (AUA).They were so well scripted. They were so pleasant,” she said. “That was an experience I heard a lot of people respond to and see.”
She revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing with its volunteer recruitment campaign ahead of CHOGM, with officials seeking approximately 400 volunteers. According to Hill, about half that target has already been reached.
Additionally, the ministry is recruiting Delegation Liaison Officers (DLOs) — individuals who will be assigned to assist visiting delegations throughout the summit. The government is aiming for 200 DLOs and has already begun training the first 120 recruits.
High Commissioner Hill is encouraging citizens interested in volunteering to seize the opportunity, describing it as a chance to gain valuable experience while interacting with high-level international visitors.
“You get a wonderful experience, a chance to work and interact directly with all the thousands of guests who will be on island,” she said.
She underscored the enormous tourism and promotional value CHOGM is expected to bring to Antigua and Barbuda, likening the event to a global advertising campaign that the country could not otherwise afford.
“This is advertising dollars that I think our tourism team… will be salivating over,” she stated. “We couldn’t afford this kind of dollar value in terms of what is coming to our shores.”
The Antiguan and Barbudan diplomat stressed the importance of making a strong first impression, noting that advanced teams from approximately 25 countries have already visited Antigua and Barbuda to assess preparations and report back to their respective governments.
Reflecting on accompanying visiting delegations around the island, Hill said the experience gave her a renewed appreciation for Antigua and Barbuda.
She is encouraging citizens from every sector of society — including taxi drivers, fisherfolk, farmers, and hospitality workers — to recognise the role they will play in the country’s presentation to the world.