Security Exercise to Restrict Access to Parts of St. John’s on Today and Friday

CHOGM 2026 Exercise Stronghold

The National Security Agencies will mount Exercise Stronghold in parts of St. John’s on Wednesday July 8 and again on Friday July 10, as they prepare for the country’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from November 1 to 4, this year.

As part of this exercise, the security personnel have established a ‘Red Zone’ where there will be restrictions on the movement of people and vehicular traffic for the duration of the exercise.

The Red Zone includes the following areas; From Parliament Drive, right unto Queen Elizabeth Highway, left unto Independence Drive, right unto New Street down to Corn Alley where it turns right all the way up to Upper Newgate Street, from the top of Newgate Street left onto Cross Street, turn right unto Upper Bishopgate Street (between Government House and YMCA), turn left unto Old Parham Road at the Round-a-bout, then make a right at Teacher’s Place Road to Factory Road, make a left turn and a right unto Parliament Drive.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Louisa Quashie, announced that there will be a Soft Lockdown on Wednesday. The hours are 8:00 am to 12 noon.

“During the operational hours, vehicular traffic will be prohibited in the Red Zone during this timeframe. However, pedestrian traffic will be permitted within the restricted area, except on High Street. T

raffic on Corn Alley will remain unaffected; however, no left turns will be allowed. Individuals not within the Red Zone before 08:00 hrs are advised to seek alternative parking at ARG, Antigua Girls High School, Antigua Grammar School, and St. John’s Cricket Ground.

Ministries/Businesses operating beneath Corn Alley will not be directly impacted by this operation; however, careful planning of routes to and from workplaces is recommended,” she suggested.

The second day of the exercise, is set for Friday 10, when the security team will institute what they term as a ‘Hard Lockdown’.

According to Deputy Commissioner Quashie, during this period, the exercise will take place from 6:00 am to 12 noon (6 Hours).

“Vehicular and pedestrian access will be completely restricted within the Red Zone. No vehicular access will be permitted on the eastern side of Corn Alley. It is advisable to plan routes to and from workplaces outside the red zone.

Ministries/Businesses below Corn Alley will not be directly affected; however, all establishments within the operational area will experience disruptions. Nonetheless, all ministries and statutory bodies, such as APUA, Medical Benefits, Statistics Department, Social Security, PDV, Treasury, Civil Registry, Government House, and any other government-affiliated entities, should make the necessary adjustments, as workers and customers will not be able to access these compounds before midday,” she reported.

The senior security official emphasized that this exercise does not entail the closure of the city; only the designated exercise zone (Red Zone) will be affected.

“We kindly request your ministry’s assistance in disseminating these arrangements to all relevant departments under your authority. Your cooperation is essential for ensuring smooth operations and the successful execution of this national security exercise,” said a correspondence from the security forces reaching out to businesses and statutory bodies that will be affected by Exercise Stronghold.

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