Horizontal shot of a road closed sign.

Police have announced temporary road closures and restrictions on pedestrian movement in sections of St. John’s on Tuesday, November 3, as Antigua and Barbuda hosts the official opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Superintendent Elson Kwame, who is overseeing traffic management for the international event, said the restrictions will begin at 6 a.m. around the new National Performing Arts Centre on High Street, where Commonwealth leaders and other dignitaries are expected to gather.

Speaking at a CHOGM town hall meeting in St. Paul’s on Tuesday evening, Kwame said the restricted area will extend from Newgate Street in the north to South Street in the south, and from Corn Alley in the west to Parliament Drive in the east.

Motorists travelling through the capital will be required to use alternative routes, while pedestrians will also be prohibited from entering certain streets within the security perimeter.

Kwame explained that drivers travelling along Corn Alley will not be permitted to turn east onto Long Street, St. Mary’s Street or other affected roads.

He said police officers will be stationed at intersections, with caution tape and other barriers used to prevent unauthorised access.

However, the superintendent stressed that the restrictions will not amount to a complete shutdown of St. John’s.

Market Street, Thames Street and businesses west of Corn Alley will remain accessible, allowing commercial activity to continue in other parts of the capital.

Motorists travelling along Queen Elizabeth Highway will also face some restrictions, including limitations on turning at Country Pond. Alternative access will be available through Vivian Richards Street and the market area.

Kwame said the arrangements are intended to protect visiting heads of government, foreign ministers and other delegates while minimising disruption to residents and businesses.

He assured the public that the restrictions would be temporary, with normal traffic arrangements expected to resume by approximately 1 p.m.

“By 1 o’clock latest, the whole city will be open,” Kwame said.

He explained that the removal of barriers could begin earlier, depending on how quickly visiting dignitaries leave the area following the ceremony.

Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene also sought to reassure residents that the country would not be placed under lockdown during CHOGM.

Greene said security measures were necessary when hosting international leaders but emphasised that authorities were working to minimise inconvenience to businesses and residents.

He said restrictions would be lifted as soon as they were no longer required.

Kwame also assured residents that police services elsewhere in Antigua and Barbuda would continue operating normally throughout the international gathering.

He said police stations outside the restricted areas would remain staffed and available to respond to complaints and emergencies.

The November 3 opening ceremony is among the major events scheduled during CHOGM, which Antigua and Barbuda will host from November 1 to 4.

Police are encouraging motorists and pedestrians to follow traffic officers’ instructions and plan their movements accordingly during the temporary restrictions.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Police announce November 3 road closures in St. John’s for CHOGM opening ceremony.