The National Task Force planning Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November is appealing to members of the public for cooperation as it mounts Exercise Resilience on Monday August 10, from Midday to 6:00pm.

Coordinated by the Task Force’s Security Planning Sub-Committee in collaboration of the Business Forum Committee, Exercise Resilience will be centered around the Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Conference Centre, Barnacle Point, and the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in English Harbour.

In appealing for the cooperation and understanding from the public, a spokesman for the Task Force’ Media and Public Affairs Committee noted that these exercises are critical events designed to test the country’s readiness to host this significant meeting of one of the largest groupings of nations in the world.

“We understand that many persons will be inconvenienced by this exercise especially because it will involve several road closures. The Task Force is mindful of this. However, the planned event forms part of the national preparations to host this international meeting which will benefit the entire nation in multiple ways,” the spokesman added.

According to the spokesman Exercise Resilience is designed to assess and strengthen the nation’s security readiness, emergency response capabilities, inter-agency coordination, and overall operational effectiveness in a live, controlled environment.

During the exercise, participating agencies will simulate real-time security operations, including VIP and VVIP motorcade movements, venue security, screening procedures, emergency response scenarios, and coordinated operational protocols similar to those that will be implemented during official CHOGM events, including activities surrounding the CHOGM Business Forum at Sticky Wicket.

It noted that as part of the exercise, members of the public should expect temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access along several major roadways. There will also be restricted parking in and around the Sticky Wicket area, including sections near the old terminal of the V.C. Bird International Airport.

Motorists, airport users, residents, and business operators are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, travel early where possible, and allow additional time to reach their destinations in order to minimize delays.

The areas expected to be affected include:

– Roads leading to hotels and official venues in the eastern, western, northern, and southern sections of the island;

– Sir George Walter Highway;

– Sir Sydney Walling Highway;

– Old Parham Road;

– Friars Hill Road;

– Valley Road;

– Roads leading to and from the V.C. Bird International Airport; and

– The English Harbour and Dockyard area.

Pedestrian movement will also be regulated within designated locations throughout the exercise. Police officers and other security personnel will be strategically deployed along affected routes to assist motorists, direct traffic, and ensure the safe and orderly movement of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The public is urged to comply with all traffic diversions, road signs, and instructions issued by police officers and other authorized personnel. Residents are also encouraged to follow official media platforms for additional updates and advisories before and during the exercise.

The National Task Force and the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda regret any inconvenience these temporary security measures may cause and sincerely thank the public for its continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as Antigua and Barbuda continues its preparations to successfully host CHOGM 2026.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Task Force Appeals for Cooperation as ‘Exercise Resilience’ Takes Place Today.