Cabinet has been advised that preparations for Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 have reached an advanced stage, with major planning frameworks now firmly in place.

During its latest meeting, Cabinet received an update from the CHOGM 2026 Taskforce, which reported that all key teams have been fully established and are operational. The Taskforce indicated that it continues to work closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and other relevant Commonwealth organisations to ensure a coordinated and seamless delivery of the landmark event.

According to the briefing, inter-agency and inter-ministry coordination has improved significantly in recent months, strengthening national readiness and reducing risks associated with execution and logistics.

Cabinet was also informed that operational planning and execution training delivered by the Canadian Military in December played a critical role in strengthening contingency planning.

The training has positioned the Taskforce to transition confidently from the planning phase into active delivery.

While acknowledging the progress made, the Taskforce outlined known risks and assured Cabinet that these are being actively managed. Accommodation was identified as a critical and time-sensitive workstream, with mitigation measures already underway to address potential shortfalls.

Cabinet was further advised that several countries have begun formal engagement with Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commission to offer support for CHOGM 2026. In addition, the CHOGM budget is nearing completion and is expected to be presented to Cabinet at its next meeting.

Cabinet noted the update and expressed confidence in the continued progress toward delivering a secure, well-coordinated, and successful CHOGM 2026 for Antigua and Barbuda.