CHOGM 2026 Logistics: Antigua and Barbuda’s CHOGM preparations are moving steadily, with Cabinet briefed on progress across planning, logistics, security, transport, accommodation, protocol and event management, plus strong international interest and local volunteer sign-ups. Creative Industries Upskilling: More than 20 craft workers are training on branding and marketing ahead of CHOGM, aimed at helping makers compete on the world stage. Tourism Standards for Cruise Growth: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez urged stakeholders to raise professionalism and service quality as Antigua targets stronger cruise performance. CHOGM Sports Infrastructure: The Potters Playing Field redevelopment is on track for completion ahead of CHOGM, with upgrades to hard courts and plans for football and cricket areas. Sargassum Processing Talks: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese technical support to turn sargassum into marketable products, tackling disposal challenges. Regional HR Partnership: UWI Global Campus and CaIHRM signed an MOU to strengthen HR education, credentials and workforce readiness across the Caribbean. Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states to safely transport infectious substances, boosting regional lab and pandemic preparedness. Labour Relations Warning: Union leaders criticized a toxic workplace culture, saying employee-employer dynamics are slipping into “master-slave” patterns. Economic Outlook: Government revised 2026 GDP growth expectations down to about 4% as fuel and food costs bite. Barbuda Land Registry Fight: The Barbuda Council rejected plans to set up a land registry and sell land, saying it’s misleading and already before the courts.