Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Export Development, Roxie McLeish-Hutchinson, represented Grenada as the Head of Delegation at a series of high-level Commonwealth engagements held in London from 7–9 March 2026, reinforcing Grenada’s continued commitment to the principles and partnerships of the Commonwealth.
On 7 March, PS McLeish-Hutchinson, along with High Commissioner Rachér Croney and First Secretary Lornie Bartholomew, participated in the 72nd Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Meeting, where member states deliberated on governance, democracy, and the upholding of the Commonwealth Charter. The meeting provided an important platform for dialogue among member states on safeguarding democratic institutions and strengthening accountability across the Commonwealth. As a member of CMAG, Grenada is one of eight Commonwealth countries charged with the mandate of ensuring that member states uphold the fundamental values of the Charter by addressing any egregious or persistent violations to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
On 8 March, the Permanent Secretary joined delegates at the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM). Discussions centred on advancing cooperation, addressing global challenges, and strengthening the Commonwealth’s collective voice on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and economic resilience. Throughout the deliberations member states highlighted the strategic importance of the organisation amidst the current geopolitical climate and the rising threat to multilateralism. The Commonwealth provides an opportunity to bridge the divides, reinforce its relevance, and serve as a vehicle for democratic, economic, and environmental resilience while paying particular attention to the unique needs of vulnerable small island developing states such as Grenada. Ministers and Heads of Delegation also discussed policy priorities as well as structural, and programmatic reform to ensure the continued effectiveness of the 77-year-old organisation.
The delegation also participated in the Commonwealth Day activities on 9 March, which brought together leaders, diplomats, and representatives from the Commonwealth family to celebrate shared values of democracy, peace, human rights, and sustainable development. The morning began with a flag-raising ceremony at the House of Commons, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Memorial Gates in honour of the men and women from across the Commonwealth who served during the First and Second World Wars. This year’s theme, Women in War, recognised the sacrifices, resilience and courage of the women who served, such as Noor Inayat Khan, a British Indian Special Operations Executive, and the first female wireless operator sent into Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War. PS McLeish-Hutchinson laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada to honour the fallen service members, including the Caribbean air service members.
The Commonwealth Day Church Service, held annually at Westminster Abbey, brought together more than 2000 people from across the Commonwealth, including more than 700 school children, and featured a parade of the flags from all 56 member states. Chevening Scholar Johnathan Andrew was the flagbearer for Grenada, representing the tri-island nation with distinction. In attendance was His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty the Queen, members of the Royal Family, Foreign Ministers, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, High Commissioners, senior government officials, and dignitaries. The evening culminated with a reception at St James’s Palace with the participation of cricketing legend Sir Vivian Richards from Antigua and Barbuda, the host of this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Sir Viv has also been appointed as special envoy for the meeting.
The Commonwealth continues to serve as a vital platform through which countries like Grenada can amplify their voices, build strategic partnerships, and advocate for global action on issues that disproportionately affect small island states. In the context of an evolving and increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the Commonwealth remains an important forum for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action. With 56 member states spanning every region of the globe, the organisation provides a unique network that bridges developed and developing countries, allowing smaller states to engage meaningfully in international decision-making processes.
For Grenada, participation in these meetings reinforces the country’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. The Commonwealth’s emphasis on inclusivity, development support, and shared democratic values continues to align with Grenada’s foreign policy priorities and its pursuit of sustainable and resilient development.
Permanent Secretary McLeish-Hutchinson emphasised that Grenada remains steadfast in its support for the Commonwealth and its initiatives, noting that the organisation offers meaningful opportunities for capacity building, technical assistance, and policy collaboration that directly benefit small island developing states.
Grenada’s active engagement in these meetings underscores its dedication to strengthening partnerships within the Commonwealth and contributing to collective solutions to global challenges while advancing the interests and resilience of our nation.
High Commission for Grenada, London
