By Admin. Updated 5:52 p.m., Friday, October 30, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday leaves Saint Vincent and the Grenadines today, Friday 30 October, to lead the country’s delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, with investment, trade and new partnerships at the top of his agenda.
The meeting runs from 1 to 4 November.
According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Friday’s participation will focus on advancing the country’s economic and development priorities. The aim is to secure partnerships that can create real opportunities for Vincentian businesses and workers.
This year’s CHOGM brings together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”. Talks are expected to cover economic cooperation, trade and investment, climate resilience and development financing, along with other issues of particular concern to small island developing states.
The Government sees the summit as a chance to speak directly with international leaders, investors and development partners. It comes as the administration works to stimulate economic growth, encourage private-sector development, attract productive investment and build a more resilient economy.
A packed schedule
Dr Friday is scheduled to take part in several high-level engagements. These include the Commonwealth Leaders and CEOs’ Summit, the Heads of Government Executive Sessions, the Commonwealth and Business Leaders’ Breakfast Meeting and the Heads of Government Retreat.
The OPM said these sessions will allow the Prime Minister to explore practical partnerships, press for improved access to climate and development financing, and advance initiatives that support sustainable economic development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investments and Diaspora Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, will also attend a series of ministerial meetings. Among them are the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States and the Pre-CHOGM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Who is travelling
The Prime Minister is accompanied by his wife, Mrs Ave Friday; Minister Bramble; Ambassador Kevin Hope, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister and Ambassador for Finance, Climate and Investment; Randy Cato, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister; Danielle Veira, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister; Shadeisha George, Administrative Cadet in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Corporal Desrick Quashie, head of the Prime Minister’s security detail.
Each member has a defined role. Mrs Friday will take part in official engagements for spouses and partners. Minister Bramble will lead the delegation in foreign ministerial discussions and support diplomatic engagements. Ambassador Hope will give strategic advice on finance, climate and investment, while Mr Cato will provide policy and strategic advisory support.
Ms Veira will coordinate communications and media coverage, Ms George will assist with administration and delegation coordination, and Corporal Quashie will provide security.
They will be joined in Antigua and Barbuda by His Excellency J. M. Brereton Horne, the country’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, who will offer additional diplomatic support during the meeting.
What it means at home
The Government says its presence at CHOGM reflects a continued commitment to pursuing opportunities that can lead to job creation, business expansion, economic resilience and a better quality of life for Vincentians. It also sees the meeting as an important platform for keeping the challenges and priorities of small island states at the centre of Commonwealth discussions.
While Dr Friday is out of the State, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, Major St Clair Leacock, will act as Prime Minister.
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