Antigua and Barbuda has ramped up preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with a second round of specialised training now underway for key officials involved in organising the landmark event.
The two-week exercise is being held at the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Training Centre at Camp Blizzard and is being facilitated by a team of experts from the Canadian military.
The programme follows an initial training session conducted late last year, signalling the government’s deepening focus on operational readiness and security coordination ahead of November’s summit.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene, who holds responsibility for overseeing CHOGM planning, described the meeting as far more than a diplomatic gathering.
“CHOGM 2026 represents a defining moment for Antigua and Barbuda,” Greene said. “Its success depends on discipline, synchronised planning, and an unwavering commitment to precision. The work being done now is not theoretical — it is the blueprint for safety, operational continuity, and the confidence of the international community.”
Minister Chet Greene
The Minister underscored that the training is central to ensuring national security, seamless logistics, and the smooth coordination of agencies that will support visiting Heads of Government and delegations from across the Commonwealth.
Beyond the summit itself, Greene noted that the capacity being built through collaboration with international partners — including Canada — will leave a lasting legacy.
“The skills and systems we are developing extend well beyond a single event,” he stated. “They strengthen our technical expertise and reinforce Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a premier destination for global dialogue, conferences, and international exhibitions.”
Chairman of the National CHOGM Task Force and Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, said planning has now entered a critical operational phase, with approximately eight and a half months remaining before the summit convenes.
“At this stage, success is shaped not by intention alone, but by the quality of our systems, the strength of our partnerships, and the discipline of execution,” Dr. Pilgrim explained.
Dr. Clarence Pilgrim
CHOGM 2026 is expected to bring together leaders from across the Commonwealth in what will be one of the most significant international events ever hosted by Antigua and Barbuda.
Organisers say the ongoing training reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the country delivers a secure, seamless, and world-class summit experience.
I like how much effort they putting into this. I hope the same effort is extended for the country’s own security after CHOGM