As Antigua and Barbuda gears up to host the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) later this year, national security authorities are pressing forward with coordinated preparedness drills, urging the public to remain engaged as the next phase of the major security exercise gets underway this week.
The initiative, known as Exercise STRONGHOLD, marked a key milestone on Wednesday when the first phase of operations wrapped up successfully. During that initial round, combined security forces and critical response agencies executed coordinated training scenarios across the area surrounding the Antigua and Barbuda National Performing Arts Centre. Officials have confirmed that all objectives for the opening phase were met without disruption.
In a public statement following the successful first phase, the CHOGM National Security Planning Committee extended its gratitude to local residents and motorists for their understanding and collective cooperation. Committee representatives emphasized that the public’s patience and support played an indispensable role in allowing the drill to proceed smoothly, avoiding unnecessary interruptions to the exercise’s workflow.
Now, focus has turned to the third scheduled phase of Exercise STRONGHOLD, which is set to take place on Friday, July 10, running from 6 a.m. through 12 noon. In advance of the drill, authorities are issuing clear guidance to the general public: all community members must follow any instructions issued by on-site police officers and other officially authorized personnel. Additionally, members of the public are reminded to stay clear of marked restricted security zones during the drill period, unless they hold official approval to enter these areas.
At its core, Exercise STRONGHOLD is a central component of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader preparation framework for the upcoming CHOGM summit. The multi-phase exercise is purpose-built to evaluate and strengthen the island nation’s overall security readiness, test the speed and effectiveness of its emergency response protocols, and refine coordination and communication protocols between different government agencies and security bodies ahead of the high-profile international gathering.