A delegation from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda undertook a series of high-level engagements in London from 8th–12th November. Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the United Kingdom, the meetings aimed at strengthening security cooperation, enhancing protocol capacity, and advancing preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The delegation included Sherese George, Chief of Protocol; Superintendent Louisa Benjamin-Quashie of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda; Captain Trevor Pennyfeather of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force; and Gordin Hector-Murrell, Director of Cyber Security within the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecoms and Information Technology.
The visit began with a virtual briefing from the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission, where the trip’s objectives and coordination for the scheduled engagements with UK partners were outlined.
On 9th November, the delegation met senior officers of the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) and observed their operations during the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. This provided an opportunity to witness first-hand how the UK manages security for major national ceremonies, including protective arrangements, escort movements, and controlled arrivals for dignitaries. A detailed debrief at RaSP Headquarters further deepened the delegation’s understanding of convoy operations and VIP protection strategies relevant to CHOGM planning.
On 10th November, the delegation undertook a comprehensive series of briefings at RaSP Headquarters, engaging with experts in VIP close protection, cyber and protective security, explosive ordnance disposal, counterterrorism coordination, intelligence assessment, and threat management. These sessions provided valuable operational frameworks that will assist Antigua and Barbuda in enhancing its security capabilities for large-scale events.
Later that day, the delegation met with officials from the UK Ministry of Defence at their Whitehall headquarters to discuss defence diplomacy and strategic threat planning. The meeting strengthened bilateral security relations and offered further insight into best practices for major event preparedness. The evening concluded with an informal dinner hosted by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, reinforcing diplomatic ties and strengthening working relationships with UK counterparts.
On 11th November, engagements continued with a meeting at the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough House, where discussions focused on CHOGM operational readiness, ceremonial standards, and coordination expectations. The Secretariat reaffirmed its support for Antigua and Barbuda. The delegation then joined staff members of the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission and High Commissioner Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill for an informal lunch, providing an opportunity to reflect on insights gained.
On 12th November, the delegation participated in extensive sessions at Lancaster House with the FCDO Protocol Directorate. These engagements covered major-event planning structures, arrivals and departures, accreditation processes, access-control systems, media management, transport coordination, and rehearsal requirements. The Directorate shared insights and best practices to assist Antigua and Barbuda in refining its protocol and operational systems for CHOGM.
The official visit concluded on 12th November following the completion of scheduled engagements and a review of outcomes that will guide the next phase of CHOGM preparations. The mission strengthened partnerships with key UK institutions, provided valuable insights into large-scale event security and protocol management, and positioned Antigua and Barbuda to deliver a well-coordinated and secure CHOGM.
