Security forces and key stakeholders have dedicated the first half of Friday to Exercise Stronghold Day 2, a pre-CHOGM simulation designed to test Antigua and Barbuda's readiness ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November. According to Antigua News Room, the exercise is expected to cause disruptions to businesses and residents, particularly those located within the designated Red Zone.
A spokesperson acknowledged the impact on normal operations but stressed the exercise's importance to the broader planning effort. "We have had meetings with organisations such as the Antigua Chamber of Industry and Commerce and other stakeholders within the affected areas asking for their patience and understanding as we undertake this exercise," the spokesperson said.
Over the past two weeks, security force teams visited homes and businesses throughout the Red Zone to explain the purpose of the exercise and solicit cooperation. Officials also carried out a series of media outreach activities to inform the public of the exercise's role in the CHOGM planning process.
Chair of the National CHOGM Task Force and Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene issued a formal statement calling on members of the public to support the exercise. "To the public, I extend my sincere gratitude. Your cooperation and patience are indispensable to the success of this exercise. Your participation demonstrates the 'all-of-country' support that defines us as a people and signals to the world our collective readiness to host this global event," Minister Greene stated.
The Minister also acknowledged and apologised for the inconveniences the exercise would cause. "We fully anticipate and sincerely apologize for any inconveniences to your daily routines; be it traffic delays or restricted access. Please understand that these temporary adjustments are necessary. Proper and effective planning is the only path to ensuring the safety of our international guests and our own people and the overall success of the event," he added.
On Thursday, security forces and stakeholders met to review Day 1 of Exercise Stronghold, which was held Wednesday under a 'soft-lockdown' format. Officials used that review to plan Friday's more intensive 'hard-lockdown' phase of the exercise.
For the duration of Friday's exercise, no individual without official accreditation will be permitted within the Red Zone. Strict restrictions on both vehicular and pedestrian traffic will also be in effect throughout the secured area.
