As preparations advance for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, event organizers have moved swiftly to dismiss widespread public speculation that the entire nation would face a lockdown during the international gathering. In a recent public appearance on the Saturday edition of *Browne and Browne Show*, Everton Barnes, co-leader of the CHOGM Media and Public Affairs Committee, firmly pushed back against comparisons to the strict, broad-based public health restrictions implemented during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barnes emphasized the government’s commitment to minimizing disruption to daily life across the twin-island nation, stating clearly, “We are not locking down Antigua. Let me say that again. We are not locking down Antigua.” Under the finalized security plan, all supermarkets will stay open throughout the summit, and all areas outside of designated event security perimeters will remain fully accessible to residents, workers and visitors. Any limitations on movement and access will be localized, tied directly to the specific locations of summit events on each day of the conference.
The only significant targeted disruption will impact parts of St. John’s, the capital, during the official opening ceremony scheduled to take place at the city’s Performing Arts Centre. Even in this affected zone, businesses west of Corn Alley – including establishments along the high-traffic Market Street and Thames Street corridors – will continue normal operations throughout the day.
Rodney Ellis, Police Superintendent and head of the local Traffic Department, detailed the timeline for temporary access restrictions around the opening ceremony venue. Closures are expected to remain in place for approximately six to seven hours, to give security teams adequate time to complete preparations ahead of the arrival of Commonwealth heads of state, other high-level dignitaries, and official delegations. Current projections show that security barriers in the area will be removed between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. immediately following the conclusion of the opening proceedings.
Ellis also reassured the public that emergency response vehicles will maintain unimpeded access to all restricted areas throughout the summit. Regular policing operations will continue across the entire country, with additional capacity provided by supporting regional and international security personnel.
To address lingering public concerns and answer questions about potential access changes and expected disruptions to daily routines, Barnes has encouraged all local business owners and St. John’s residents to attend a planned public town hall meeting. At the event, top security officials and members of the CHOGM planning team will be on hand to address community questions and clarify any remaining uncertainties about the summit’s security arrangements.