As Antigua and Barbuda makes final preparations to host the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), law enforcement personnel across the island nation have completed specialized training in three key security domains: anti-drone protection, explosive device mitigation, and cybersecurity. That’s according to Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the national focal point for CHOGM, who made the announcement during a public town hall held Wednesday.
Hill emphasized that the skills developed through this pre-summit training represent one of the most enduring long-term benefits of hosting the major international gathering. Unlike temporary infrastructure upgrades that may fade over time, “That knowledge stays with you,” she told attendees, echoing a long-held belief shared by her mother that “any knowledge you receive isn’t wasted.”
The capacity building initiative driven by CHOGM preparations extends far beyond security services, Hill noted. Local teams working in transportation logistics, hospitality accommodation, event technical services, and high-level conference management have all spent the past two years refining their expertise in planning and executing large-scale international events. This hands-on preparation has left local personnel with irreplaceable professional skills that will serve the nation long after the summit concludes.
While Hill confirmed that police officers have received the specialized security training, she did not disclose specific details including how many officers participated in the programs or the specific curriculum covered in individual courses. She argued that when evaluating the full value of hosting CHOGM, the expertise gained by local workers must be counted alongside visible infrastructure improvements such as upgraded road networks and enhanced public facilities.
In addition to highlighting the long-term benefits of the summit, Hill encouraged Antigua and Barbuda residents to engage actively with the event’s proceedings. She urged community members to follow the summit discussions closely and consider how national leaders can follow through on any commitments made during the gathering to advance the nation’s interests.
CHOGM is scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1 to 4. The four-day event will feature official government meetings, four thematic stakeholder forums, and a series of cultural celebrations showcasing the nation’s heritage to the Commonwealth community.