Jamaican Police Officers Assist Antigua With CHOGM Security Preparations

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has received support from senior officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force as local authorities continue preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.

A four-member delegation from Jamaica spent a week in Antigua working with senior members of the local police force, sharing their experience in security planning and the management of major events.

The visiting team comprised Assistant Commissioner of Police Garry McKenzie, Senior Superintendent Adrian Hamilton, Superintendent Shaunjaye Mitchell and Deputy Superintendent Garnet Stapleton.

During their stay, the Jamaican officers participated in a series of discussions and working sessions with their Antiguan counterparts, with attention placed on security arrangements and operational readiness for the Commonwealth summit.

The delegation also toured several locations across the island and assisted with assessments of venues expected to host official meetings and other CHOGM-related activities.

With Antigua and Barbuda preparing to welcome government leaders and delegations from across the Commonwealth, security is expected to be a major part of the planning for the November gathering.

Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers welcomed the assistance from the JCF, noting that the visiting officers brought considerable experience in security and major-event planning.

“I am pleased to have members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force coming on board and sharing their expertise in security planning, knowing that they are highly qualified and possess many years of experience in the field of security and the planning of major events,” Jeffers said.

The Police Commissioner said cooperation with regional and international security partners will remain an important part of the country’s preparations.

The knowledge shared by the Jamaican delegation is expected to complement the work already being carried out by the RPFAB and other national security and emergency response agencies ahead of CHOGM.

The RPFAB has thanked the Jamaica Constabulary Force for its support and continued partnership as preparations for the international gathering move forward.

The Jamaican delegation departed Antigua on Saturday, August 15.