Motorists across Antigua are being urged to plan ahead this morning as security forces conduct Exercise STRONGHOLD, a large-scale national security drill designed to test the country's readiness for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). According to Antigua.news, the exercise is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions island-wide.
Organised by the CHOGM National Security Planning Committee, the exercise runs from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and involves coordinated convoy movements, temporary road closures, and traffic diversions across key sections of the island.
Several major routes are affected, including Sir George Walter Highway, Sir Sydney Walling Highway, Old Parham Road, Friars Hill Road, and the northern corridors leading to the American University of Antigua (AUA) and surrounding hotels.
Further restrictions are in effect in the capital. Authorities have established a designated security zone in St. John's, bounded by Newgate Street to the north, New Street to the south, Parliament Drive to the east, and Corn Alley to the west. Vehicular access within this zone has been suspended for the duration of the exercise.
Police and security officials are asking the public to cooperate fully — following posted traffic signs, complying with directions from officers on the ground, and allowing additional travel time to reach their destinations.
Exercise STRONGHOLD is one of several planned security drills intended to test emergency response procedures, traffic management, and inter-agency coordination ahead of Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of CHOGM later this year.
Officials have acknowledged the temporary inconvenience but say the exercise is essential to ensuring the country is fully prepared to safely welcome regional and international delegates to the high-profile summit.
