St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – July 21, 2026
As the country prepares for its annual flagship cultural festival, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a sweeping set of enhanced security protocols designed to protect attendees, local residents, and international visitors throughout the 2026 Carnival season.
The multi-layered security plan stems directly from the police administration’s core pledge to uphold public order during one of the nation’s most high-profile annual events. A significantly expanded uniformed presence will be maintained at Carnival City – the central hub of festival activities – and all other major event venues across the islands for the full duration of the celebrations.
One of the most visible new measures will see the deployment of the force’s specialized K-9 Unit at all entry and exit points for events held at Carnival City. The trained canine teams will work alongside uniformed officers to conduct routine security screenings and identify prohibited or illegal items being brought into event spaces. Law enforcement officials have asked the public to prioritize full cooperation with both officers and K-9 handlers during these checks to keep screening lines moving efficiently.
Beyond venue-based screening, the police force will roll out a series of mobile security operations across Antigua. These include regularly scheduled Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), random stop-and-search initiatives, and a marked increase in both mobile patrols and foot patrols across populated areas of the island. Officials note these proactive operations are designed to discourage potential criminal activity, intercept illegal weapons before they reach public spaces, and cultivate a broadly safe environment for all festival-goers and residents.
In a clear statement of enforcement priorities, the police administration reiterated its longstanding zero-tolerance policy for the possession and use of illegal firearms, ammunition, and all other offensive weapons during the Carnival period. Under local law, any individual found carrying a prohibited weapon – ranging from firearms and large blades including machetes and cleavers to sharp offensive items like scissors – will face immediate arrest and prosecution in line with Antigua and Barbuda’s existing legal framework.
Authorities also reminded the public that smoking in all public spaces is classified as a criminal offense under national law, and officers will actively enforce this regulation throughout the festival. The public has been strongly urged to adhere to this public health regulation to avoid penalties.
For holders of licensed firearms in Antigua and Barbuda, the police force issued a specific call for responsible decision-making during the festivities. Strict regulations prohibit all firearms from Carnival event venues, regardless of an individual’s license status. Licensed holders are required to comply with all directives from both the police administration and event organizers regarding weapon storage and possession near festival spaces.
As preparations for the celebrations enter their final phase, the Royal Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a Carnival experience that is safe, secure, and welcoming to attendees of all ages. Officials concluded by asking the public to remain alert to their surroundings, report any unusual or suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately, and continue cooperating with officers as they carry out their security duties throughout the event season.