Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, has attended the Commonwealth Business Forum in Antigua and Barbuda, held alongside the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The Forum brought together governments, investors, financial institutions and businesses, giving Jersey the opportunity to build relationships that support the Island’s economy, strengthen its international connections, and create new opportunities for Jersey businesses and Islanders.
The Minister met diplomatic, government and commercial contacts and took part in discussions promoting Jersey as a trusted, well-regulated international finance centre. He also supported the launch of the Commonwealth Family Office Network, which aims to connect private capital and expertise with investment opportunities across the Commonwealth.
The visit also showed how Jersey’s international relationships are creating opportunities beyond finance. Senator Gorst visited a new mural at the ABCAS campus, created during a week-long exchange by Jersey artists Aimée Cast, Max Corbett and Toby Norman alongside Antiguan artists Tse Pigott and Joyce Murray-Watkins. Building on their first ‘sister’ mural at Elizabeth Marina in St Helier, the project puts the islands’ three-year MoU into practice by giving Islanders opportunities to collaborate across the creative industries, education, sports, arts, culture and heritage.
Senator Gorst said: “International engagement is ultimately about delivering opportunities for Jersey. By building strong relationships across the Commonwealth, we can promote our businesses and finance industry, attract investment and create new connections for Islanders. The cultural exchange with Antigua and Barbuda shows how those relationships can also deliver opportunities directly for our communities.”
Main picture: Senator Gorst with Assata Roberts, Principal at the Antigua & Barbuda College of Advanced Studies
