Honourable Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of Dominica is leading a delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), being held in Apia, Samoa from October 21 to 26, 2024.

CHOGM, which traditionally takes place every two years, serves as the Commonwealth’s primary political meeting, bringing together delegations from fifty-six (56) nations from Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. This meeting facilitates discussions among Heads of Government and other high-level officials that shape the Commonwealth policies and priorities on shared goals such as development, democracy and peace, trade and economy, as well as climate change and environmental issues.

The theme for CHOGM 2024 is “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth”. This theme highlights how member states must harness their strengths by building resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’ and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth, in order to ensure no one is left behind.

During this convening, Heads of Government will also select and appoint the seventh Commonwealth Secretary-General. In line with the regional rotation for this position, the next Commonwealth Secretary-General will come from the Africa Region. The three declared candidates are: Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia, Shirley Botchway from Ghana and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho. The new Commonwealth Secretary-General will succeed Dominican-born Rt Hon Baroness Patricia Scotland KC who has held the post since 2016.

Acting High Commissioner Ms. Janet Charles and First Secretary Ms. Nakinda Daniel will complete Dominica’s Delegation.