Authorities imposed a temporary lockdown across parts of St. John's on Friday as Antigua and Barbuda intensifies its preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), according to Antigua News Room.
The security simulation commenced at 06:00 local time and ran until midday, with strict restrictions placed on both vehicle and pedestrian access within a designated red zone in the capital.
Several government offices and nearby compounds were rendered inaccessible for the duration of the exercise, including the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), the Medical Benefits Scheme, Social Security, the Treasury Department, the Civil Registry, the Statistics Department, PDV Caribe and Government House. Authorities also barred vehicles from accessing the eastern side of Corn Alley throughout the drill.
Police issued advisories urging employees, customers and members of the public to avoid the affected areas until midday and to seek alternative routes where necessary.
The exercise was designed to evaluate security operations, emergency response capabilities and inter-agency coordination as the nation prepares to welcome Commonwealth heads of government and delegates for CHOGM 2026.
