CHOGM Preparations Press Ahead Despite Intensifying Election Campaign

As Antigua and Barbuda enters a heated election season this April, government officials say preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will remain firmly on track.

Chairman of the national CHOGM Task Force and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has made it clear that the country cannot afford any slowdown in planning, describing the current phase as critical to ensuring the success of the November summit.

Speaking at a recent Task Force meeting, Greene urged members to stay focused and maintain momentum, even as political activity intensifies across the country. He noted that while he will be engaged in the election campaign as a candidate, other members are expected to continue their work without interruption.

To help ensure continuity, Ambassador Anthony Liverpool has been appointed Special Advisor and will oversee Task Force meetings in Greene’s absence. Liverpool brings experience from his leadership role during the successful staging of the Small Island Developing States Conference 2024.

Support will also come from the CHOGM Secretariat, led by Coordinator Celia Roberts-Morgan, which will continue to manage coordination across multiple planning committees.

Officials have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering what is expected to be the largest international event ever hosted by Antigua and Barbuda. The summit, scheduled for November 1–4, will bring together heads of government and foreign ministers from across the Commonwealth, alongside several major side events.

These include the Women’s Forum, Youth Forum, Business Forum, and People’s Forum, as well as global engagements such as an international eye health summit and a Global Citizens event.

With more than 5,000 delegates anticipated, authorities say the stakes remain high—and preparations must continue at full pace, regardless of the political season.