Wehner Calls for Full Audit of CHOGM Spending

Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner is demanding a full accounting and audit of the expenditure associated with Antigua and Barbuda hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

His call follows Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s statement that more than 80 per cent of the summit’s expenditure was covered through donations and other external contributions. Wehner says this does not remove the Government’s responsibility to explain the overall cost and how the money was spent.

The senator is asking the Government to disclose the total cost of hosting CHOGM, identify donors and the amounts contributed, and explain how funds were allocated. He also wants details of contracts awarded and the procurement processes used.

Wehner is calling for the audit to include expenses connected to preparations, vehicles and other resources acquired or used for the summit. He is also seeking clarification on what will happen to those assets now that the event has concluded.

He further noted that the Government had previously promised to publish the CHOGM budget before the meeting. With the summit now over, he is urging officials to release the information so the public can understand the full financial impact on the country.

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