BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — TWENTY-ONE members of St. Kitts and Nevis' security forces have been deployed to Antigua and Barbuda to assist with security operations for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in St. John's from November 1 to 4, 2026.
The deployment underscores regional cooperation as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host one of the Commonwealth's major international gatherings. Its selection marks a historic occasion for the twin-island nation and the wider Eastern Caribbean, as it becomes the smallest country ever to host CHOGM.
The contingent comprises 14 members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), including personnel from the Coast Guard and Infantry, and seven officers of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF). The police contingent is also equipped with two motorcycles to support operational requirements. The security team departed the Federation from Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on October 29.
CHOGM 2026 will bring together leaders from the Commonwealth's 56 member countries under the theme, "Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth." His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, is expected to address the opening ceremony.
St. Kitts and Nevis' security personnel will work alongside regional and international partners in support of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force to help ensure the safety and security of the summit and its participants.
For the men and women of the RSCNPF and SKNDF, the deployment represents an opportunity to contribute their professional expertise to an event of considerable international significance. The discipline, operational experience and intelligence-led policing approach developed by the Federation's security forces will be brought to bear in support of the regional security effort.
The deployment also comes against the backdrop of significant gains in the Federation's fight against serious crime, including a reported 84 per cent reduction in firearm-related homicides in 2025. That experience forms part of the contribution St. Kitts and Nevis is bringing to the wider regional security partnership.
As Antigua and Barbuda welcomes Commonwealth leaders and delegates, the participation of St. Kitts and Nevis reflects the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation in safeguarding major international events. When the Caribbean hosts the world, the region stands together, and St. Kitts and Nevis is proud to stand alongside its sister nation.
The RSCNPF and SKNDF have also extended congratulations to the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda on the country's 45th anniversary of independence, which will be celebrated on November 1, and have wished the nation every success in hosting CHOGM 2026.
