The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received a comprehensive update from the Task Force responsible for the management of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with preparations advancing across security, accommodation, transportation and ceremonial arrangements ahead of the four-day international gathering.
The Task Force attended Cabinet on Wednesday to brief Ministers on the state of readiness for the hosting of CHOGM, which will bring together Commonwealth leaders, government representatives and other international delegates to Antigua and Barbuda.
The presentation reported that 53 countries have confirmed their participation.
As delegations continue to increase the size of their travelling parties, requests are being made for additional accommodation to meet the growing demand.
Cabinet was advised that preparations are progressing across the key operational areas required to ensure the successful hosting of the meeting. The Government is working closely with local agencies and regional and international partners to coordinate the arrangements necessary to welcome the visiting delegations and facilitate the smooth conduct of the programme.
Security remains a major priority for the event. Cabinet was informed that security personnel have arrived from Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and The Bahamas. Personnel from member countries of the Regional Security System (RSS) have also begun arriving and are already on island.
More than 600 security officers are assisting the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force in providing security throughout the meeting. Security officials from Canada and the United Kingdom are also contributing to the overall security arrangements.
The deployment reflects the extensive coordination required to host a gathering of this scale, involving visiting Heads of Government, senior officials and other distinguished participants.
Cabinet was briefed on the measures being coordinated to support the safe movement of delegates and the orderly conduct of CHOGM activities over the four-day period.
Cabinet also received an update on plans for the official opening of CHOGM, the ceremonial parade and the arrangements for transporting delegates to the various events and venues.
Transportation planning has involved the coordination of a substantial fleet of local vehicles to accommodate the movement of delegates, officials and other participants. The Task Force reported that more than 450 local transportation vehicles have been secured, including buses, taxis and paratransit vehicles.
The involvement of local transportation providers is an important part of the national preparations, ensuring that the hosting of CHOGM creates opportunities for local businesses while supporting the logistical demands of the meeting.
Cabinet noted that the coordination of transportation, accommodation, security and ceremonial activities is essential to ensuring that delegates can move efficiently between events and that the programme proceeds as planned.
The Government recognizes that hosting CHOGM represents a significant undertaking for a small island state. The scale of the preparations reflects the importance of the meeting to Antigua and Barbuda’s international profile and its role within the Commonwealth.
The work of the Task Force, together with the contributions of public servants, security agencies, private-sector partners, transportation providers and other stakeholders, forms part of a coordinated national effort to deliver a successful event.
Cabinet emphasized that readiness for CHOGM is not confined to the meeting venues. It also involves ensuring that the necessary operational systems, personnel and services are in place to receive international visitors and facilitate their participation throughout the programme.
With countries confirming attendance, security personnel arriving, accommodation arrangements being expanded and transportation resources secured, the preparations continue to move forward.
Source: Antigua News Room Cabinet Assures the Nation: Antigua and Barbuda will be Ready for CHOGM 2026.