Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey has pledged that the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda will deliver meaningful action, including new investment partnerships and initiatives to strengthen resilience and economic opportunities.
Speaking Saturday evening at a reception marking Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of independence, Botchwey said the government and Commonwealth Secretariat had worked together to design a summit focused on tangible results.
“When some say summits only produce words, I say watch this space,” she told guests.
“There will be words. Yes, definitely there will be words, but I assure you there will be action.”
The secretary-general said the summit would focus on new partnerships for investment and prosperity, along with initiatives aimed at building resilience and creating opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Her remarks came as Antigua and Barbuda prepared to host Commonwealth leaders for CHOGM 2026, scheduled for November 1-4.
Botchwey praised Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his administration and the people of Antigua and Barbuda for their efforts in organizing the international gathering.
“Hosting CHOGM is an immense undertaking,” she said, thanking the country for the care and commitment demonstrated in preparing for the event.
“This week, St. John’s is not just the capital of this nation, it is the capital of our Commonwealth.”
The secretary-general also used the occasion to emphasize the importance of smaller nations having an equal voice in international affairs.
“When some say might is right, we believe the voice of the smallest state has an equal value alongside the largest,” she said.
She argued that international cooperation remains essential at a time when some countries are increasingly turning inward.
“When some say it is time to turn around and turn inward, we believe that when nations work together, they achieve more than anyone alone.”
Reflecting on Antigua and Barbuda’s independence on November 1, 1981, Botchwey said the country’s decision to join the Commonwealth represented a voluntary partnership among sovereign and equal nations.
She drew parallels with her native Ghana, which gained independence in 1957 and subsequently chose Commonwealth membership.
According to Botchwey, each member state’s independence anniversary represents an important chapter in the Commonwealth’s collective history.
She also highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to make an international impact despite its relatively small size, pointing to cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards as an example.
She said Richards had demonstrated that someone from a small island could command the greatest stages in international cricket.
“This week, Antigua and Barbuda shows the world that a small island state can lead the Commonwealth,” she declared.
Botchwey concluded by extending congratulations to the people of Antigua and Barbuda on their 45th independence anniversary, saying the optimism that characterized the country’s emergence as a sovereign nation remains relevant to the Commonwealth today.
“In 1981, you looked to the future with hope,” she said, adding that the Commonwealth now shares that hope with Antigua and Barbuda.
Source: Antigua News Room Commonwealth Secretary-General promises action, not just words, as Antigua and Barbuda hosts CHOGM.