Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, deputy secretary general of the Commonwealth Secretariat, said that the government's lavish spending at the summit would bring returns to the people of Trinidad and Tobago in areas of tourism and business investment.

She said: 'The national secretariat has gone to lengths to ensure that the security provisions and security arrangements are in place.'

Prime Minister Patrick Manning's government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a professional and well-coordinated meet. Two tourist ships will be docked to provide additional beds for delegates.