Antigua and Barbuda welcomed nearly 200 young leaders from across the Caribbean as the Rotaract Club of Antigua hosted the 2026 Rotaract District 7030 Conference — the first time the island has held the event in more than 20 years.
Held under the theme "Linked in Wadadli," the four-day conference celebrated leadership, service, fellowship, and regional collaboration, while showcasing the culture and hospitality of Antigua and Barbuda. Delegates travelled from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The conference opened with a "Rep Your Flag" celebration, in which delegates dressed in outfits inspired by their national flags' colours and symbols. The ceremony highlighted the cultural diversity of the Caribbean while reinforcing the conference's central theme of unity and regional connection.
Over two days of leadership development sessions, delegates participated in presentations delivered by professionals and thought leaders from Antigua and across the region. The sessions challenged participants to think critically about the future of leadership, embrace emerging technologies responsibly, strengthen professional networks, lead with integrity, and place sustainability at the core of decision-making.
True to Rotaract's "Service Above Self" ethos, the conference also generated meaningful community impact. Delegates from across District 7030 brought donations of sanitary products from their home territories as part of a district-wide initiative to address period poverty. The collected items were donated to Mount St. John's Medical Centre and Scrub Life Cares, supporting women and girls in need.
As a lasting contribution to the host community, the Rotaract Club of Antigua erected a Peace Pole at Mount St. John's Medical Centre. Bearing the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth," the pole stands as a permanent symbol of Rotary and Rotaract's shared commitment to peace and goodwill.
Fellowship remained central to the conference experience. Each day concluded with social activities allowing delegates to build cross-border friendships and celebrate Caribbean culture. The conference closed with a Great Gatsby-themed Awards and Closing Dinner, recognising outstanding clubs, projects, and individual Rotaractors from across District 7030 for their achievements and service throughout the Rotary year.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Mrs. Karen Walwyn, and Equisoft were recognised as major supporters of the event. The conference also drew support from a wide range of sponsors and partners, including APUA INET, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Grant Thornton, Automotive Art, OW Snacks, KFC Antigua, APCMOL, Best Cellars Wines and Spirits, the University of the West Indies Five Islands, Digicel, Trade Winds Hotel, Frank B. Armstrong Antigua Ltd, Subway, Anjo Wholesale, Big Banana, Brydens, Outdoor World Limited, Townhouse Megastore, West Indies Oil Company, CB's, the Rotaract Club of Diego Martin, the Rotaract Club of St. Augustine West, and the Rotaract Club of San Fernando South.
Hospitality and logistical partners included Sandals Grande Antigua, Pineapple Beach Club, The Verandah Resort & Spa, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, the National School Bus System, the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.
Rotaract is a global network of young professionals and community leaders dedicated to service, leadership development, and international understanding. District 7030 comprises clubs across the English, Dutch, and French-speaking Caribbean.
