Prime Minister Friday to Pursue Investment and Development Opportunities for SVG at CHOGM 2026.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr Godwin Friday will depart Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday, October 30, 2026, to lead the country’s delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1 to 4, 2026.
The Prime Minister’s participation will focus on advancing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ economic and development priorities through investment, expanded trade, international cooperation and partnerships that can create meaningful opportunities for Vincentian businesses and workers.
The meeting, which brings together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, will be held under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” Discussions will focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment, climate resilience, development financing, and other priorities particularly important to small island developing states.
For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, CHOGM offers an important opportunity to engage directly with international leaders, investors, and development partners as the Government continues efforts to stimulate economic growth, encourage private-sector development, attract productive investment, and build a more resilient economy.
Prime Minister Friday is scheduled to participate in several high-level engagements, including 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. These engagements will provide opportunities to explore practical partnerships, advocate 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, Hon. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, will also participate in a series of ministerial engagements, including the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States, the Pre-CHOGM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and other discussions aimed at advancing the interests of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines within the Commonwealth.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are 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.
Mrs Friday will participate in official engagements for spouses and partners, while Minister Bramble will lead the delegation’s participation in foreign ministerial discussions and support diplomatic engagements. Ambassador Hope will provide 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 administrative and delegation coordination, and Corporal Quashie will provide security support.
His Excellency J. M. Brereton Horne, High Commissioner of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Kingdom, will join the delegation in Antigua and Barbuda and provide additional diplomatic support during the meeting.
The Government’s participation in CHOGM reflects its continued commitment to pursuing opportunities that can contribute to job creation, business expansion, economic resilience and an improved quality of life for the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It also provides an important platform for keeping the challenges and development priorities of small island states central to Commonwealth discussions.
During the Prime Minister’s absence from the State, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, Hon. Major St. Claire Leacock, will act as Prime Minister.
