Antigua and Barbuda has started an intensive security training programme as part of preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which officials say will be the largest international gathering ever held in the country.
The two-week seminar, taking place at Camp Blizzard, involves security planners, military personnel and technical teams who will be responsible for protecting dozens of visiting world leaders.
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene said the scale of next year’s summit makes security planning “the backbone” of national preparations. He thanked the Canadian government for providing experts to support the training.
Ambassador Dr Clarence Pilgrim, who heads the National CHOGM Task Force, said the programme is intended to strengthen leadership, intelligence planning and overall coordination ahead of the event.
Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin stressed the need for “synchronisation” across all CHOGM committees to ensure smooth operations.
Local coordination is being led by Captain Travis Pennyfeather of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, working with Canadian facilitator Clayton Purvis and a team from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Officials say the training marks a significant step towards delivering a secure, well-managed summit.
