A hard lockdown is in effect across sections of St. John’s today as the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda conducts a major security simulation exercise ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The operation, which began at 6:00 a.m., will remain in effect until 12:00 noon, with police imposing strict restrictions on both vehicular and pedestrian movement within a designated red zone in the capital.

As part of the exercise, no vehicles will be allowed to access the eastern side of Corn Alley, while access to several government offices and surrounding compounds has been suspended until the lockdown is lifted.

The restricted area includes the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Medical Benefits Scheme, Statistics Department, Social Security, PDV Caribe, the Treasury Department, Civil Registry, Government House and several other government-affiliated institutions.

Police have advised that employees, customers and members of the public will not be permitted to enter these facilities before midday and are encouraging affected agencies and businesses to make the necessary operational adjustments.

Motorists and pedestrians travelling through St. John’s are urged to avoid the restricted area where possible and use alternative routes to minimise delays.

The security simulation forms part of ongoing preparations for CHOGM 2026, when Antigua and Barbuda will host leaders and delegates from across the Commonwealth. Authorities say the exercise is designed to test operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and emergency response capabilities ahead of the high-profile international summit.