Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, held a courtesy call with Commonwealth Secretary-General the Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London on Monday. According to Antigua News Room, Minister Greene, who also chairs the National Taskforce for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, made the visit ahead of a series of key preparatory committee meetings.
Minister Greene is in London to chair the Commonwealth Preparatory Committee Meetings, scheduled from June 30 to July 3 at Marlborough House. During those sessions, member states will engage in substantive discussions on the Zero Draft Communiqué and key agenda items for CHOGM 2026.
Secretary-General Botchwey welcomed the minister and reaffirmed the Secretariat's commitment to working closely with Antigua and Barbuda to deliver a successful and consequential Summit. Discussions centred on strategies to shape an impactful Zero Draft document that reflects the priorities and aspirations of the Commonwealth's 56 member states.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review ongoing preparations for the Summit, which will be held in St. John's. Topics covered included programme structures for the official forums and broader logistical planning. Minister Greene offered encouraging updates on accommodation arrangements, noting that the accommodations committee is currently engaging 37 countries — a signal of strong interest and participation ahead of the gathering.
Minister Greene was accompanied by Antigua and Barbuda's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill; Minister Counsellor Chantal Phillip; and Second Secretary Brent Scotland.
CHOGM 2026 will be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1 to 4, 2026, under the theme: "Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth."
