ST JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — More than 600 security officers are assisting local forces in preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), as Antigua and Barbuda gets ready to host leaders and delegations from 53 countries.

The Cabinet received an update on preparations from the CHOGM Task Force on Wednesday, with security personnel arriving from Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas.

Officers from Regional Security System (RSS) member states have also begun arriving in the country.

Security officials from Canada and the United Kingdom are contributing to the arrangements, alongside the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.

The four-day meeting will bring together Commonwealth leaders, government representatives and other international delegates.

More than 450 local vehicles, including buses, taxis and paratransit vehicles, have also been secured to transport delegates and officials between meeting venues and other events.

The Task Force also briefed Cabinet on plans for the official opening, a ceremonial parade and transportation arrangements throughout the programme.

The government said preparations were being coordinated with local agencies, private-sector partners and regional and international organisations to manage the demands of hosting the gathering.

It added that the involvement of local transport providers would create opportunities for businesses while helping to meet the logistical needs of the summit.