St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — Sunday, June 21, 2026

Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne will formally assume the Chairmanship of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority during the Opening Ceremony of the 78th Meeting of the OECS Authority, being held at the Royalton Antigua Resort.

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026, with the OECS confirming that the meeting is being hosted under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Prime Minister Browne succeeds the Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who served as Chairman of the OECS Authority over the past year. The ceremony will bring together Heads of Government and senior officials from across the OECS, along with members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of regional institutions, and invited guests.

In assuming the Chairmanship, Prime Minister Browne will guide the OECS Authority at a critical time for the region, as Member States continue to advance regional integration, economic cooperation, climate resilience, food and energy security, freedom of movement, and enhanced collaboration in education, health, security, and digital transformation.

His tenure is expected to place renewed focus on transformative regional initiatives designed to strengthen economic self-reliance and improve the quality of life for citizens across the Eastern Caribbean. Prime Minister Browne has also urged OECS leaders to pursue bold and innovative projects that deepen regional integration and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

The assumption of the Chairmanship comes at a historic moment for Antigua and Barbuda, as the country prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in St. John’s from November 1–4, 2026.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda views these responsibilities as complementary opportunities to elevate the nation’s leadership on the regional and international stage, while championing the interests of small island developing states and promoting sustainable development throughout the Caribbean.

The Opening Ceremony will include cultural performances, addresses by the outgoing and incoming Chairmen, remarks by OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, and a reception for Heads of Government and invited guests.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda extends a warm welcome to the Heads of Government of the OECS and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to regional unity, cooperation, and prosperity as Prime Minister Browne assumes this important leadership role.