The President of the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), Mr. Bernard de Nully, has applauded the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for its boldness in deciding to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St. John’s. “Antigua and Barbuda is among the smallest States in the 56-member Commonwealth; the Prime Minister’s decision to voluntarily host the largest gathering of Heads within this global organization attests to the leader’s courage, strength and determination to thrust his small state forward,” the President remarked.
The decision was also taken to twin the State’s 45th Anniversary of Independence with the hosting of the CHOGM from the 1st to 4th of November, 2026. Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence was declared on 1st of November 1981. It became the 157th member-State of the United Nations and the 33rd Member of the Organization of American States. A completely new journey commenced for its people and the country after 1981. The AT&LU has acted as a partner in the successes of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Founded in 1939, or 87 years ago, the trade union was the vehicle which carried the movement of liberation that ended oppression and degradation of the emancipated people of the Island-State. “Our AT&LU Political Committee published the very first political manifesto on 18th of May 1946, and it has served as the organic instrument to guide consecutive administrations up until today,” President de Nully has repeated.
The AT&LU fought for and won adult suffrage for the majority of men and women in 1951. Successive administrations have guided the development of our Small Island Developing State (SIDS) because of the shift in power from the oppressors to the elected representatives of the people. The AT&LU can justly take credit for defining the personality of the new State. It is democratic, relies upon collective bargaining, and conducts peaceful elections periodically. Governments have changed without any crisis or violence.
The leaders of the Commonwealth have justly agreed to authorize Antigua and Barbuda to host this important CHOGM, “rooted in pride, bounded by prosperity for all.”
The AT&LU takes great pride in knowing that the renaissance that is taking place in Antigua and Barbuda flows from the great trade union that changed the circumstances and life-chances of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Congratulations!
Source: Antigua News Room The AT&LU Applauds the Hosting of CHOGM 2026.