In a formal public announcement issued on August 6, 2026, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s Office of Strategic Communications has confirmed that the country’s National Security Planning Committee for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will launch a large-scale, inter-agency security drill codenamed “Exercise Resilience” on August 10, 2026. The simulation exercise, set to run from 12 noon through 8 p.m., will focus on three key locations that are slated to host official CHOGM activities: Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Conference Centre at Barnacle Point, and the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel located in English Harbour. This drill is a core milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing pre-event preparations for the November 2026 CHOGM, which the nation will host as the gathering’s official host country. Unlike routine tabletop planning exercises, Exercise Resilience is designed to test and reinforce national security protocols in a controlled real-world environment, with specific goals including evaluating current security preparedness levels, honing emergency response coordination, refining inter-agency communication workflows, and boosting overall operational effectiveness ahead of the high-profile international summit. During the 8-hour drill, participating security and emergency response agencies will run through a full suite of simulation scenarios that mirror the exact operations required for the official summit. These include route planning and movement protocols for VIP and VVIP motorcades, layered venue security screening, rapid emergency response to hypothetical security incidents, and coordinated operational procedures that align with the plans for the official CHOGM Business Forum scheduled to take place at Sticky Wicket. To support the safe execution of the drill, temporary security adjustments will be implemented across a wide swathe of the island, and local authorities are advising the public to prepare for disruptions. Temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access will be in effect across multiple major road networks, with limited parking available throughout the Sticky Wicket area, including road segments adjacent to the old terminal of V.C. Bird International Airport. Affected routes cover all major arteries leading to summit venues across the island’s four quadrants, including two key highways, Sir George Walter Highway and Sir Sydney Walling Highway, as well as Old Parham Road, Friars Hill Road, Valley Road, all access routes to and from V.C. Bird International Airport, and the entire English Harbour and Dockyard region. Pedestrian access will also be restricted in designated exercise zones, and uniformed police and security personnel will be deployed at strategic points along affected routes to guide drivers, manage traffic flow, and ensure the safe, orderly movement of both vehicles and pedestrians. Local authorities have issued clear guidance for residents, business operators, motorists, and airport travelers ahead of the drill. The public is strongly encouraged to plan travel in advance, depart early for scheduled commitments where possible, and allocate extra time for journeys to avoid unnecessary delays. Organizers have also urged the community to comply with all posted traffic signs, diversion orders, and instructions from on-site police and authorized security personnel, and to follow official government media channels for real-time updates and advisories before and during the exercise. In closing the official media release, both the National Security Planning Committee and the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda extended an apology for any temporary inconvenience caused by the exercise security measures, and expressed sincere gratitude for the public’s ongoing patience, understanding, and cooperation as the nation works to deliver a safe, successful 2026 CHOGM this November.