As Antigua and Barbuda advances its preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the Caribbean nation has launched a critical two-day national security simulation exercise, Foreign Affairs Minister and CHOGM Task Force Chairman Hon. E.P. Chet Greene announced in a public address to all citizens and residents.
Greene emphasized that this drill is far more than a routine training exercise. It stands as a tangible demonstration of Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering commitment to delivering a secure, well-organized and successful summit for Commonwealth heads of state and government when the global gathering convenes in November 2026. The simulation is designed to test response protocols, coordinate inter-agency operations and identify gaps in security planning ahead of the major international event.
In his address, Greene extended formal recognition and praise to the law enforcement officers and security personnel leading the simulation operation. He noted that the dedication, personal sacrifice, and detail-oriented planning these professionals have brought to the process form the very foundation of the nation’s preparedness to welcome world leaders. He urged all participating personnel to uphold the highest professional standards throughout the exercise, noting that their performance reflects the quality and integrity of Antigua and Barbuda as a host nation.
The task force chairman also offered sincere thanks to the general public for their ongoing support. Public cooperation and patience, he said, are irreplaceable factors that will determine the exercise’s ultimate success. Broad public participation in adapting to temporary changes underscores the unified “whole-of-nation” support behind the 2026 CHOGM hosting effort, sending a clear signal to the global community that Antigua and Barbuda is fully ready to welcome the Commonwealth gathering.
Greene formally apologized in advance for temporary disruptions to daily public life, including expected traffic delays and temporary restricted access to certain areas. He stressed that these short-term adjustments are a necessary part of robust, effective planning, and that only thorough advance preparation can guarantee the safety of attending international delegates, local residents, and all event staff, while setting the foundation for a globally successful summit.
As the simulation gets underway, Greene pledged full accessibility and support from himself, the national government, and the entire CHOGM Task Force. “We are all in this together,” he noted, adding that collective shared resolve will ensure the 2026 CHOGM is an event that makes all Antigua and Barbuda residents proud. He closed the address with a blessing for the nation’s security forces and the twin-island state.