Antigua and Barbuda's Police Commissioner is expressing confidence that the Royal Police Force is well-prepared to secure the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), describing it as the largest event ever held in the twin-island state. According to Antigua News Room, Commissioner Jeffers made the remarks while addressing graduates of the 50th Recruit Training Course at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy.
"As we look ahead, the road we travel is becoming shorter and shorter by the minute. Within the space of three months, Antigua and Barbuda will host the largest event ever held in this twin-island state," Jeffers told the assembled graduates.
The commissioner stated that security preparations are well advanced, with logistical planning progressing smoothly. "Plans are already progressing quite smoothly as we finalise all the necessary logistic issues to ensure a seamless and successful outcome," he said.
Jeffers framed CHOGM as a defining test for the police force, while voicing confidence in his officers. "This major event will test our ability to perform at optimum level. I stand here this morning feeling quite confident we will rise to the occasion," he said.
He pointed to the force's track record in managing previous high-profile international gatherings, including the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States and the 55th Regular Session of the Organization of American States General Assembly, as evidence of its capability.
With thousands of visitors expected to descend on the island, Jeffers underscored the weight of international attention the summit will bring. "It is expected that thousands of visitors will be converging on the island, as well as the eyes of the world will be watching us," he said.
The commissioner emphasised that security will be central to the summit's overall success. "May I remind you that we are in an era where safety and security are of paramount importance, and how you perform depends on our preparedness," Jeffers told the graduates.
Jeffers also highlighted a series of recent investments made to bolster the force's operational readiness ahead of the summit. These include the addition of K-9 units trained to detect firearms, explosives and narcotics, upgrades to the marine unit, the acquisition of an Integrated Ballistic Identification System, and specialised training in advanced radio communications, unmanned aerial systems and white-collar crime investigations.
The commissioner said the ongoing modernisation of the police force is designed to ensure officers are equipped to deliver a high standard of service while meeting the increasing demands of both national and international security.
