AUA Donation Will Boost Police Operations at CHOGM

By Kisean Joseph

(kisean.joseph@antiguaobserver.com)

The American University of Antigua made a donation of laptops and desktop computers to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen security operations ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers, KPM, confirmed the equipment will support mobile operations during the summit, one of the country’s largest and most complex security undertakings to date.

“The laptops will play a critical role in supporting our mobile operations during CHOGM,” Commissioner Jeffers said. “They will allow officers to maintain digital records in real time, prepare operational reports, and access essential policing databases while deployed in the field.”

He said the devices would improve communication, record management and decision-making throughout the operation, which takes place November 1st to 4th.

AUA official Dr Danielle Ward said the university was proud to continue supporting the Force through the donation.

“AUA is very happy and proud to continue to support the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda with the donation of the laptops and the desktops,” Dr Ward said. “CHOGM 2026 is a monumental event for our nation, and we know that security is a crucial part of this event coming off without a hitch. We’re so happy to be able to play our role and support our forces with their job for CHOGM 2026.”

The equipment will be assigned to several operational teams, particularly the Force’s Venue Operations Centres (VOCs) and other command elements coordinating security across multiple sites.

“Every venue command will be required to produce digital records of operational activities, movements, and decisions, making these laptops an essential resource,” Commissioner Jeffers said.

He added that the laptops will not be retired once CHOGM concludes. Instead, they will remain in service for everyday policing duties, including statement-taking, accessing police databases during patrols, and supporting investigative work.

Commissioner Jeffers said the donation directly addressed a gap in the Force’s ability to manage real-time information across venues.

“CHOGM requires a high level of coordination, accountability, and real-time information management,” he said. “One of the areas we sought to strengthen was our ability to create and manage digital operational records from multiple venues simultaneously.”

He said the timing of the donation allowed the Force to establish fully functional Venue Operations Centres at more than one location, enhancing overall command and control.

The equipment is already proving useful ahead of the summit. Commissioner Jeffers explained.

“We are already seeing the benefits, as the VOCs are currently being utilised during the Carnival celebrations to monitor operations and provide timely directives to commanders on the ground during major events,” he said.

Looking beyond CHOGM, Commissioner Jeffers said the donation would have lasting value for the Force’s broader capabilities.

“These laptops and desktop computers will continue to strengthen the Royal Police Force’s operational readiness by improving mobility, efficiency, and digital record management,” he said, adding that the equipment would support future national security operations, major public events, investigations and routine policing.

He said the contribution aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Force to modernise policing through greater use of technology.

Commissioner Jeffers expressed his gratitude to the university and committed to proper use and maintenance of the equipment.

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the American University of Antigua for this generous contribution,” he said. “I want to assure the University that the equipment will be properly maintained, carefully safeguarded, and fully utilised in support of our policing responsibilities, not only during CHOGM but in many future operations that will benefit the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”