Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey was treated to a vivid display of Antigua and Barbuda’s culture, history, and hospitality during her official visit last week a visit that set the tone for the nation’s preparations to host CHOGM 2026.

Her itinerary combined both ceremony and culture, beginning with the lively performances of the Antigua Dance Academy at the launch event held at Sandals Resort. The energetic drumming and traditional dance deeply resonated with Botchwey, who said the rhythms reminded her of home in Ghana, describing the moment as heartfelt and unforgettable.

The Secretary-General later explored the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a proud symbol of the nation’s maritime past.

Accompanied by officials from the National Parks Authority, she toured historic landmarks including Clarence House, Shirley Heights Lookout, and the Dockyard Museum, before enjoying a traditional Antiguan lunch at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel.

The National Parks Authority expressed its pride in welcoming the Commonwealth’s top diplomat, noting that her visit underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s growing prominence on the global stage.

Though brief, Botchwey’s stopover captured the essence of the islands a blend of cultural pride, historical preservation, and forward-looking ambition as the nation moves confidently toward hosting the Commonwealth’s most prestigious gathering in 2026.