Heightened Police Presence, Traffic Restrictions Planned for CHOGM Exercise Monday

Motorists and businesses in the Coolidge area should prepare for heightened police activity, traffic control points and possible access restrictions on Monday as Antigua and Barbuda stages a major simulation exercise ahead of the Commonwealth Business Forum.

The exercise, dubbed “Exercise Resilience,” is scheduled for Monday, August 10, beginning as early as 5 a.m.

Organisers say the simulation will test the operational readiness of the Commonwealth Business Forum Taskforce and key partner agencies, with particular attention being paid to coordination among the various entities responsible for delivering the high-level event.

Several locations in and around Coolidge will be affected, including the Coolidge Cricket Grounds, V.C. Bird International Airport, the Coolidge Branch of Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank and Barnes Gas Station.

Businesses immediately surrounding the Coolidge Cricket Grounds could also be impacted during the exercise.

Members of the public can expect a heightened police presence throughout the affected areas, while traffic control points will be established and access to some locations restricted as the simulation unfolds.

A wide cross-section of agencies will participate, including the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Ministry of Health and the Fire Department.

Transportation providers and private security personnel will also be involved.

The exercise combines elements originally planned for separate days of simulation as authorities intensify preparations for the Commonwealth Business Forum, which will form part of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of CHOGM 2026.

Organisers are asking motorists, businesses and other members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement and other officials during Monday’s exercise.

The simulation comes as preparations accelerate for the major Commonwealth gathering later this year, when Antigua and Barbuda will welcome government leaders, business executives, investors and other delegates from across the Commonwealth.