16-Year-Old ABCAS Student Makes Her Mark on CHOGM 2026 with Winning Cricket Coin Design

At just 16 years old, Rodajah Imani has secured a place in Antigua and Barbuda's preparations for CHOGM 2026, with her artistic creation selected as the official coin design for the Commonwealth cricket match.

The first-year Visual Arts and Cultural Production student at the Dr Alister Francis Campus of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) was recognised during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, where she presented her winning design to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and other ministers.

Her achievement follows a competition launched in September under the theme “One Commonwealth, One Team,” which invited ABCAS students to produce original designs reflecting cricket, national identity and Commonwealth unity.

Imani's winning entry combines elements of Antigua and Barbuda's sporting heritage, natural landscape and cultural identity with symbols representing international cooperation.

The front of the coin features a batsman inspired by photographs of former West Indies cricketers Winston Benjamin and Carl Hooper.

The illustration also incorporates a wicket, the Shekerley Mountain Range, the sun and the sea, highlighting the country's cricketing traditions and natural environment.

A chain of linked human figures represents unity, partnership and economic collaboration among Commonwealth nations.

The reverse side features the official CHOGM 2026 logo, incorporating Antigua and Barbuda's national bird, the frigate bird, surrounded by linked figures.

It also bears the Commonwealth gathering's theme, “Accelerating Partnerships & Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”

Imani's success marks an important milestone in her developing artistic career.

Her interest in drawing began during Grade Five and developed into a more serious pursuit during her third-form years.

Cabinet praised the young student for demonstrating the creative abilities of Antigua and Barbuda's youth and contributing to an event of international significance.

The winning coin is being manufactured by Vaughtons, a British company specialising in medals and coins.

The company is also sponsoring CHOGM 2026 through the production of 5,000 commemorative medals for the Commonwealth gathering and another 180 medals recognising Antigua and Barbuda's 45th anniversary of independence.

These medals will be distributed to visiting dignitaries, delegates and personnel.

For Imani, the achievement represents more than winning a student competition. Her design will become part of the country's Commonwealth celebrations, placing her creativity before an international audience.

The recognition also highlights the opportunities available for young Antiguans and Barbudans to contribute to major national events through the creative arts.