High Street Magistrates' Court Closed Wednesday and Friday This Week for Exercise STRONGHOLD

Persons with matters scheduled at the Magistrates' Court on High Street are being advised that the court will be closed on Wednesday, July 8, and Friday, July 10, to facilitate the Exercise STRONGHOLD security drill being conducted in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Court Administrator Nyron Frederick confirmed that the temporary closure applies only to the High Street Magistrates' Court. The Magistrates' Court Family Division, located at the High Court on Parliament Drive, will remain open and operational on both days.

What Affected Persons Should Do

Persons with matters scheduled for either of the two affected dates are being advised to report to their respective courtrooms on Monday, July 13, instead.

For filing, service, and disposition of matters not currently available through the E-Litigation Portal, submissions should be sent by email to magistratescourt@gmail.com during the closure period.

Why the Court Is Closing

The High Street Magistrates' Court falls within the designated security zone for Exercise STRONGHOLD, which extends from Newgate Street in the north to New Street in the south, and from Parliament Drive in the east to Corn Alley in the west. Vehicular and pedestrian access within the zone will be restricted during the three-day exercise, making normal court operations impractical on the affected days.

The three-day security exercise, running from July 8 to 10, will see security forces and emergency services conduct convoy movements and operational activities along major roads and at strategic locations across the island as Antigua and Barbuda tests its readiness to host the 56-nation Commonwealth summit in November.

Members of the public with questions about scheduled court matters are encouraged to contact the Magistrates' Court directly.