As the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda gears up to welcome global leaders for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this November, local security authorities have announced a critical three-day national security drill to finalize preparations. Scheduled to run from July 8 to July 10, 2026, Exercise STRONGHOLD is being organized by the CHOGM National Security Planning Committee in partnership with multiple leading security and emergency response agencies across the country.
The drill is not a response to any specific threat, but rather a core component of routine pre-event preparedness efforts. Its primary goals are to put the nation’s existing security frameworks to the test, refine emergency response protocols, strengthen coordinated action between different public agencies, and boost overall operational effectiveness ahead of the high-profile international gathering.
Over the course of the three-day exercise, security force members and emergency service personnel will carry out controlled convoy movements and full-scale operational drills across multiple major thoroughfares and key strategic locations across Antigua. To support these activities, temporary traffic disruptions including road closures, traffic diversions, and limited public access will be implemented in designated zones.
Affected areas cover a broad swathe of the island: routes leading to the American University of Antigua (AUA) and northern coastal hotels, two of the nation’s busiest arterial roads – Sir George Walter Highway and Sir Sydney Walling Highway, as well as Old Parham Road and Friars Hill Road. Disruptions are also planned for the district surrounding the Antigua and Barbuda National Performing Arts Centre, the former Deluxe Cinema, where local businesses and adjacent streets will fall within the restricted area.
In the capital city of St. John’s, a central security zone has been mapped out with clearly defined boundaries: stretching from Newgate Street in the north to New Street in the south, and from Parliament Drive in the east to Corn Alley in the west. Vehicle access will be fully restricted within this central zone for the duration of the exercise, while pedestrian movement will also be strictly regulated across all exercise areas.
To minimize disruption to daily life, trained police officers and additional security personnel will be deployed at key positions along all drill routes. Their core responsibilities will include assisting motorists, directing traffic flow, and upholding safe, orderly movement for both vehicles and pedestrians throughout the exercise period.
Security officials have issued a formal advisory urging all residents and visitors to plan their travel itineraries well in advance of the drill, and to set aside extra time for daily commutes between July 8 and 10. Motorists are requested to comply fully with all diversion signage, posted road rules, and direct instructions from on-duty police and authorized security personnel. The public is also encouraged to follow official government social media channels and local media outlets for real-time updates and additional advisories in the lead-up to and during the exercise.
In a statement released through the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s Office of Strategic Communications, the CHOGM National Security Planning Committee offered advance apologies for any temporary inconvenience brought on by the security measures. The committee emphasized that public cooperation is critical to the success of both the exercise and the November CHOGM itself, and thanked residents in advance for their patience, understanding, and full collaboration as the country finalizes preparations to host this landmark international event.