Police officers in Antigua and Barbuda have received specialist training in drone protection, explosive devices and cybersecurity as part of preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill said.

Speaking at Wednesday’s public town hall, Hill identified the skills officers will retain after the summit as among the lasting benefits of hosting the event.

“That knowledge stays with you,” she said.

Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom and CHOGM focal point, said capacity building extended beyond security to transportation, accommodation, technical services and conference management.

She said preparations over the past two years had allowed people working across those areas to develop skills in planning and delivering major international events.

For the police, she highlighted training in protection against drones, explosive devices and cybersecurity. She did not provide figures for the number of officers trained or details of the individual courses.

Hill argued that the summit’s value should include the expertise gained by local personnel, alongside improvements to roads and public facilities.

“My mother always said that any knowledge you receive isn’t wasted,” she said.

She encouraged residents to follow the summit’s proceedings and consider how Antigua and Barbuda could carry forward the commitments made during the gathering.

Antigua and Barbuda will host CHOGM from November 1 to 4, with government meetings, four forums and cultural activities forming part of the programme.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda police gain drone, explosives and cybersecurity training for CHOGM.