Diplomatic representatives from several Commonwealth nations arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday for a two-day advance visit ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for November 2026.
The delegation, which includes officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, is participating in the visit as part of the government's broader effort to strengthen technical, operational, and protocol cooperation ahead of the global gathering, set to run from November 1 to 4, 2026.
High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill described the advance visit as "perhaps one of the most important staging points of CHOGM," explaining that it gives member state representatives a direct look at the host country's preparations.
"Member states get a chance to see all of the buildings, all of the venues that will be used for CHOGM, and they take this back to their capitals to say Antigua and Barbuda has its act together, and is ready to host CHOGM, and is well underway in the preparations," High Commissioner Hill said.
She expressed satisfaction with the delegation's early reaction. "You can see from the smiles and the questions being asked that people are pleased," she said. "I feel very positive that Antigua and Barbuda is making a good show, and a great start to this advance visit."
Tuesday's programme opened with a welcome and briefing ceremony at the American University of Antigua (AUA) Conference Centre, followed by a tour of the campus. The delegation also visited V.C. Bird International Airport, Sticky Wicket, and the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, Ann-Marie Layne, welcomed the visiting officials and emphasised the significance of the event for the country.
"As a small island developing state, Antigua and Barbuda is deeply honoured to host CHOGM. We see this not only as a responsibility, but as an opportunity — to showcase the strength, resilience, and unity of the Commonwealth, and to advance meaningful dialogue under our theme: 'Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth,'" Layne said.
She added that the government is committed to meeting all operational, technical, and protocol requirements to the highest standard, and welcomed the spirit of cooperation the visit represents.
On Wednesday, the delegation will continue to additional sites, including Government House, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, and SJPC House of Restoration Ministries.
Countries represented in this first advance visit include Australia, Samoa, Malaysia, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana. A second delegation is expected to arrive in early May, with virtual tours of venues and historical sites also forming part of the preparation process.
