Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has withdrawn from this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda after contracting the flu.

Persad-Bissessar confirmed her illness to the Trinidad Guardian, saying she had come down with a “bad case of flu.”

Her withdrawal came hours after Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs announced that she would travel to Antigua and Barbuda to lead the country’s delegation.

The ministry later reversed that announcement, confirming that Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers would represent the country instead.

Persad-Bissessar had been scheduled to attend several high-level engagements, including a reception hosted by King Charles III, discussions on trade and investment, and meetings with Commonwealth leaders.

Her last-minute withdrawal drew criticism from former Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne, who questioned her attendance record at major international meetings.

However, political analyst Dr. Shane Mohammed said her absence should not be considered a major setback, provided Trinidad and Tobago’s delegation is adequately prepared.

“The Prime Minister not attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government is not the end of the world. It is not,” Mohammed said.

Antigua and Barbuda is hosting CHOGM 2026, bringing together representatives of the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”

Source: Trinidad Guardian

Source: Antigua News Room Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister withdraws from Antigua and Barbuda CHOGM after contracting flu.