Against a backdrop of growing public anxiety over firearm-related violence across Antigua and Barbuda and the broader Caribbean region, a landmark three-day specialized firearm safety and practical shooting training program is set to launch at the Reservoir Range, located at Potworks Dam in St. Paul Parish, running from October 2 to 4, 2026.
Organized under the framework of the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), the IPSC Black Badge Training Programme will bring together a cohort of certified, experienced practical shooting instructors from three separate Caribbean islands to lead sessions for a diverse group of participants. The program is open to three key groups: licensed sport shooters, lawfully registered civilian firearm owners, and active law enforcement personnel, all of whom will gain access to structured, standards-aligned training focused on core competencies.
At its core, the initiative prioritizes non-negotiable principles of firearms safety, responsible weapons handling, range discipline, shooting accuracy, and evidence-based decision-making under pressure. A unique collaborative component of the program allows local law enforcement officers to train side-by-side with seasoned regional instructors, creating an opportunity to refine their existing practical skills in safe handling, range protocol, accuracy, and standardized shooting procedures, ultimately boosting their operational readiness.
The International Practical Shooting Confederation, which governs practical shooting as a recognized international competitive sport, embeds safety as a foundational requirement across all its rules, training guidelines, and competition standards. The Black Badge programme will cover far more than just basic handling: participants will receive in-depth instruction on official IPSC competition rules and match procedures, range safety protocols, stage briefing protocol, scoring systems, core practical shooting fundamentals, and end-to-end match management.
Organizers have framed the initiative as a targeted response to current public discourse around gun safety. At a moment when communities across the region are rightly focused on the harms of unlawful and reckless firearm use, the program seeks to fill a critical gap by fostering a culture of responsibility among the population that is legally authorized to own and use firearms.
“At a time when our society is understandably concerned about the unlawful and reckless use of firearms, we believe it is important to also promote a culture of responsibility among those who are legally authorized to possess and use them. Firearms demand discipline, sound judgement, proper training and an unwavering respect for safety,” organizers shared in a formal statement.
The core message of the training remains clear and consistent: responsible gun ownership cannot be separated from consistent, high-quality training, self-discipline, commitment to safety, and personal accountability. For those interested in registering, requesting additional information, or coordinating media access to the event, organizers can be reached directly at Reservoir Range via phone at +1 (268) 726-3864.