St. John’s, Antigua — The Government of Antigua and Barbuda successfully hosted two diplomatic in person advance visits on 28th to 29th April and 5th to 6th May and a virtual advance visit on 11th May as preparations continue for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1st–4th November 2026.
The visits welcomed representatives from 26 Commonwealth countries, alongside officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the CHOGM 2026 Taskforce, national agencies, protocol teams, security officials, logistics leads and other key stakeholders.
Delegations received a comprehensive overview of Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations to host one of the Commonwealth’s most significant diplomatic gatherings. Key areas covered included protocol, accreditation, arrivals and departures, immigration facilitation, accommodation, transportation, media operations, security coordination, special events, and arrangements for the Commonwealth forums and side events.
The in person visits allowed delegations to engage directly with national counterparts, meet their Liaison Officers, review operational arrangements, and raise technical matters related to their participation in CHOGM 2026. These engagements strengthened co-ordination across protocol, logistics, media, transportation and delegate services, while reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to delivering a well-organised and welcoming Commonwealth gathering.
The virtual advance engagement ensured that all participating Commonwealth delegations have access to the relevant briefings and preparatory information.
The Honourable E. P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, said:
“These visits have allowed Antigua and Barbuda to demonstrate the advanced stage of our co-ordination, preparation and planning to host CHOGM. Welcoming the Commonwealth family to Antigua and Barbuda later this year is both an honour and a responsibility. We are working diligently to ensure that delegations are received with warmth, efficiency and excellence as they discuss an important agenda at a critical time globally”.
Sir Vivian Richards, CHOGM 2026 Envoy, said:
“Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to welcome the Commonwealth family with the spirit that defines our people: confidence, resilience, hospitality and pride. CHOGM 2026 is more than a meeting; it is a moment for our nation to stand proudly on the world stage.”
Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, attended the closing reception for both in person advance visits as well as CHOGM Focal Point High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill, who was part of both in person advance visits.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda expressed appreciation to all participating delegations, national agencies, technical teams, volunteers, service providers and partners supporting the planning and delivery of CHOGM 2026. Special thanks were extended to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for leading and coordinating the planning and execution of the Advance Visits.
ENDS