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By Azara Lavia
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United Progressive Party (UPP) Senator Malaka Parker has questioned the government’s readiness to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), warning that security restrictions, traffic congestion and possible losses for small businesses could disrupt daily life during the 1–4 November summit.
Speaking on Observer Radio’s Connecting with Dave Lester Payne programme, hosted by Algernon “Serpent” Watts, Parker said residents and business owners had not been sufficiently consulted about arrangements affecting their movements, livelihoods and access to essential services.
While supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the gathering, Parker argued that the government had not adequately involved the public in its preparations.
She questioned whether the economic and logistical implications had been fully assessed before the country committed to hosting the event.
The senator expressed particular concern about businesses operating within areas expected to face heightened security restrictions.
She argued that vendors, shopkeepers and other small business operators could lose several days of income without receiving financial assistance.
Parker called on the government to consider providing stipends to affected businesses and residents, particularly those whose earnings depend on daily trading.
She also suggested that local vendors should have been given opportunities to participate in commercial activities associated with CHOGM.
“For those that maybe cannot be incorporated, like I said, you give them a stipend. Because families are relying on that money. Children are relying on that money,” Parker said.
She argued that financial assistance should have been considered as part of the summit’s overall budget.
The senator also questioned restrictions expected to affect residents living within designated security zones, arguing that arrangements should take account of emergencies and other essential movements.
Despite her criticism, Parker said she wanted the summit to succeed.
“We’re all invested in it. I don’t want CHOGM to fail,” she said.
She maintained, however, that the government must address public concerns before Commonwealth leaders and delegates arrive.
Performing Arts Centre and construction concerns
Parker also raised questions about the redevelopment of the former Deluxe Cinema into the new Performing Arts Centre, particularly the pace of construction and whether the building would meet the necessary standards.
She suggested that work had been rushed ahead of CHOGM and questioned the level of oversight provided by the Development Control Authority (DCA).
“I hope and pray that the reports I’m getting about the Deluxe Cinema building itself, right, are inaccurate. I hope so,” she said.
“Because a building is not just, you know, its trimmings. It is the structural integrity and other things.”
Parker questioned whether the facility was suitably located and whether sufficient space was available to accommodate large gatherings.
She also referred to a parliamentary resolution concerning the compulsory acquisition of land adjacent to the property, reportedly to satisfy entry and exit requirements.
The senator questioned why compulsory acquisition was necessary and whether negotiations with the landowner had been exhausted.
Her concerns about the building’s structural integrity and regulatory approval were not accompanied by documentary evidence during the interview.
Traffic congestion and emergency services
Turning to traffic management, Parker warned that congestion and road closures in St John’s were creating serious difficulties for motorists and could affect emergency response times.
She cited the closure of sections of High Street, Thames Street and other roads as contributing to delays across the capital.
“Traffic is a matter of life and death,” she said.
Parker referred to an incident involving a medical emergency at the Methodist Church, claiming that traffic conditions had delayed the arrival of an ambulance.
She argued that congestion should not be treated simply as an inconvenience, particularly when emergency services needed to move quickly through the city.
The senator called for a broader review of the country’s road network and greater involvement of qualified planning professionals.
She questioned how additional security arrangements during CHOGM would affect an already congested city.
Healthcare and water supply
Parker also questioned whether Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system was adequately prepared for the demands associated with hosting thousands of international visitors.
She cited personal experiences and accounts from patients who had reportedly encountered long waiting times at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, formerly Mount St John’s Medical Centre.
The senator expressed concern that an increase in demand for emergency medical services during the summit could place additional pressure on hospital staff and facilities.
She suggested that temporary medical stations could help ease the burden on the hospital during major national events.
Water supply was another concern raised during the discussion.
Parker recalled the improved water availability during the 2024 Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, questioning why similar service levels had not been maintained afterwards.
She argued that preparations for major international conferences should produce lasting improvements in public services rather than temporary arrangements.
Environmental concerns and international scrutiny
The senator also said CHOGM presented an opportunity to examine the government’s environmental record, particularly on coastal development, public beach access and sustainable land use.
Parker questioned whether government policies at home were consistent with the environmental commitments promoted internationally.
She called on journalists and environmental advocates to examine development decisions and their potential impact on the country’s natural resources.
Parker said the Commonwealth’s emphasis on environmental sustainability made those questions particularly relevant as Antigua and Barbuda prepared to welcome international leaders.
She also encouraged the opposition to use the international attention surrounding CHOGM to highlight domestic concerns.
Public expression during CHOGM
Parker maintained that citizens should be able to express their concerns during the summit, despite heightened security arrangements.
She invited people considering public demonstrations to contact her to discuss ways of making their concerns known.
“We will not be silenced,” she declared.
Parker insisted that questioning the government’s preparations did not mean opposing the summit.
“But we also have a duty to point out to this government and show them their scorecard. And they are failing.”
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is scheduled for 1–4 November 2026 in St John’s, bringing together Commonwealth leaders and representatives of business, civil society and youth organisations.