Speech by Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey on Antigua and Barbuda's pre-independence and the Commonwealth welcome reception on Saturday 31 October 2026 at Government House, St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
On behalf of the whole Commonwealth family, may I offer the people of Antigua and Barbuda the warmest congratulations on tomorrow’s anniversary of your independence.
On the first of November 1981, a sovereign nation raised its flag for the first time and stepped onto the world stage with confidence and hope. It set its own course and chose its own friends. And this nation chose to join the Commonwealth, freely and as an equal. That is how our family of nations was built – one Independence Day at a time. Each new nation stood on its own two feet and then made a choice to stand alongside others.
My own country, Ghana, made that choice in 1957.
This is why the Commonwealth celebrates the Independence Day of every one of its members. Not as a matter of form, but because each of those days is a chapter in our story too. Each one marks the moment a free nation chose this special partnership.
My friends, when we celebrate your independence tonight, we celebrate the Commonwealth itself. The spirit of 1981 was a spirit of optimism, the spirit that defines the Commonwealth. Doesn’t the world need some of that spirit today?
When some say, ‘might is right’, we believe the voice of the smallest state has an equal value alongside the largest. When some say it is time to turn inward, we believe that when nations work together, they achieve more than any one alone. And when some say summits only produce words, I say, ‘watch this space’.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has worked in trusting partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat to design a summit of action here this week. New partnerships for investment and prosperity. New initiatives to build resilience and opportunity. Yes, there will be words. But I assure you there will be action.
This is a country that understands the importance of partnership. For forty-five years, you have been a partnership of two proud and beautiful islands.
Sir Vivian Richards, our CHOGM Envoy, showed the world that a player from a small island can command the greatest stages in the game of cricket.
This week, Antigua and Barbuda shows the world that a small island state can lead the Commonwealth.
Prime Minister Browne, hosting CHOGM is an immense undertaking. I want to thank you, your colleagues and the people of Antigua and Barbuda from the bottom of my heart, for the care and the commitment you have brought to that task.
This week, St John’s is not just the capital of this nation; it is the capital of our Commonwealth. In 1981, you looked to the future with hope. Tonight the Commonwealth shares that hope with you. Happy Independence Day, Antigua and Barbuda.
