- Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Elon Musk is unlikely to attend the heads of Commonwealth conference (CHOGM)in the country after concerns were raised that his presence could overshadow the global gathering.
- The conference which takes place next week in the Caribbean island will be opened by Prince Charles who is the head of the commonwealth.
- Browne said Musk had indicated a willingness to visit, but objections were subsequently expressed that he could attract most of the attention and become the event’s main highlight.
“I’m told that Elon Musk is showing some interest in attending the conference as well,” Browne said. “And if we’re able to get Elon here — Elon, obviously, when it comes to creativity and innovation, I mean, he is a global leader.” - The Prime Minister added: “We’re looking forward, if his schedule permits, for him to join us.”
This will be the king and Queen’s first trip to the Eastern Caribbean island since it officially dropped swearing an Oath of Allegiance to the British state and monarch a few months ago.
It forms part of a challenging backdrop to the trip, which will also see the King faced with the debate over slave trade reparations and ongoing discussions over “de-realming”, in which islands could remove the monarch as head of state while remaining members of the Commonwealth. - The biennial conference will be held from November 1 to 4, 2026, under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” The summit is expected to bring together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations, alongside ministers, business leaders, civil society representatives and youth delegates.
- Organisers say discussions will centre on climate resilience, trade, innovation, equality and sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on strengthening partnerships and attracting investment across the Commonwealth.
- A local government official who wanted to remain anonymous said:” While the country would like to invite everyone to this important conference, this should not be about specific individuals. This is about heads of states and governments coming together for the good of humanity.”
- He adds:” We welcome King Charles and queen Camilla as well as Elon Musk if he can make it but we need to remember this is about the entire Commonwealth and it’s people and the direction it is heading to. There will be lots of important issues to be discussed here in Antigua and Barbuda and we welcome everybody.”
- Antigua and Barbuda’s cricketing legend and national hero Sir Vivian Richards has been appointed CHOGM 2026 Envoy and is actively helping to promote the event on the international stage.
- Browne suggested that the attendance of globally recognised figures such as Musk could further elevate the profile of the meeting and its business-focused agenda.
- The Prime Minister declined to identify who objected or where the concerns originated.
He said the matter had created complications and that he no longer expected Musk to attend.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his visit, Browne disclosed that SpaceX and other Musk-associated entities had contributed approximately $1 million in value towards CHOGM preparations. - There has been no publicly confirmed statement from Musk concerning his attendance.
“Elon Musk is from a Commonwealth country originally, namely South Africa and we would welcome him to the island. His presence would provide a boost to the conference although this should not be only about him but about the global gathering taking place on the island,” The official who spoke from the island’s capital St John’s said.
