Share this story
By Tahna Weston
[email protected]
More than 400 drivers have registered to transport an estimated 5,000 delegates during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), as organisers prepare a large-scale operation linking the airport, accommodation and event venues across Antigua.
Transport Committee Lead Dion Simmons said the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board is coordinating the arrangements, which will involve registered taxi drivers, school bus operators and other transport providers.
Speaking at a CHOGM town hall on Wednesday, 21 October, at the John E. St Luce Finance and Conference Centre, Simmons said the National School Bus System has approximately 40 drivers, making additional transport providers essential.
“Any event that the government of Antigua undertakes, the Antigua-Barbuda Transport Board is the main transportation agency that is required to deliver transportation throughout the event,” he said.
Simmons said delegates would be staying at hotels, guest houses and Airbnb properties across the island and would need transport to scheduled meetings and forums.
“We’ll have 5,000 persons scattered throughout Antigua and we are charged with the responsibility of logistically planning and executing a transportation plan, for want of a better word, to have these persons picked up and bused to their respective forums,” he said.
Park-and-ride arrangements are planned for major events, including the opening ceremony and forums at the American University of Antigua (AUA) and Sticky Wicket.
The Powells playing field will serve as a park-and-ride site for the business forum at Sticky Wicket, which is expected to draw about 1,000 registered and accredited participants. The Blizzard playing field has also been identified to support transport to AUA after concerns that the original parking provision might be insufficient.
The Piggotts, Seaview Farm and Parham playing fields have been identified as additional parking areas for the ceremonial parade on 1 November and One Commonwealth Night on 2 November. The Factory Cricket Grounds will be used for staff and volunteer parking.
Simmons said the transport team is working with security officials on traffic management and routes, while briefings are being arranged for school bus drivers and registered airport taxi operators.
Organisers have also sought permission for at least three buses to wait at the airport kerbside each day for arriving guests. The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) car park would help maintain the flow of vehicles alongside airport taxis.
Simmons described the operation as complex and costly but said the team was working to ensure transport arrangements support CHOGM, scheduled for 1–4 November.