Stronghold 2 Includes Special Arrangements for the Vulnerable

By Kisean Joseph

kisean.joseph@antiguaobserver.com

Police have put special arrangements in place for residents unable to leave their homes as a major security exercise restricts access to sections of St. John’s today.

Assistant Commissioner Samuel Joseph says trusted caregivers are being permitted access to residents within the operating zone who cannot leave their homes during the exercise.

“We even have situations there within the operating zone who are unable to leave their home, who have trusted caregivers to come to them,” Joseph said. “And we will put things in place to facilitate those types of activities.”

Government agencies within the affected zone have already confirmed closures ahead of the exercise, with the private sector cooperating similarly, according to Joseph.

“Most agencies have already indicated that they will be closed for half a day; until one,” Joseph said. “We would have gone directly to most of those agencies inside the zone, and they would have already given commitments.”

The exercise, which forms part of security preparations for CHOGM 2026, is currently restricting movement within a section of the capital as police, defence and emergency personnel test coordination ahead of the summit’s opening ceremony.

Police are advising residents and business operators to plan accordingly as the exercise continues.