Security Services in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda

See the Caribbean page for coverage across the region.

Retail and Resort Districts in St. John’s

We manage security programs for retailers, marinas and resorts across Antigua, including:

• Heritage Quay
• Redcliffe Quay
• St. John’s cruise piers
• Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour
• Falmouth Harbour
• Jolly Harbour

Security Considerations in St. John’s

Cruise passengers step off at the St. John’s piers directly into Heritage Quay, so jewelers there feel the full effect of each ship within minutes. Stores need officers on the door and the sales floor for the hours ships are in port, with a quieter posture on days with no calls. Weekly schedules should be built from the published port calendar.

English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour fill with superyachts and charter crews from December to May, and Antigua Sailing Week brings a large crowd each spring. Marinas, shipyards and nearby villas need access control at the docks, patrols at night and officers who work comfortably with captains, crews and marina staff.

MGP manages the program, including Post Orders, supervision and reporting, while vetted local security companies supply officers. Antigua is a short flight from St. Kitts, Anguilla and St. Martin, which helps when a client has stores in several territories. Hurricane season from June to November calls for storm plans, shutters and closure procedures at every site.

How Coverage Works in Antigua and Barbuda

In Antigua and Barbuda, as in every region, MGP delivers coverage through the MGP Hybrid Operating Model. MGP writes the Post Orders, sets the standard of presentation and service, provides local, hands-on supervision and reports to the client, working with vetted, locally licensed security companies. The staffing structure for each location is set out in the Service Implementation Plan.

The delivery structure, licensing and insurance for each location are confirmed before a proposal is issued.

Services in St. John’s

Security Officer Requirements in Antigua and Barbuda

• Under the Private Security Registration Act, 2006, security agencies need a licence from the National Security Council. Applicants provide police certificates of character for the business and each director, and must show public liability insurance of at least $100,000 before conditional approval becomes final. Source
• A security guard must be a citizen or resident, over 18, in sound health with a medical certificate, pass required drug tests, and hold a valid police certificate of character covering the previous seven years. Source
• Guards must complete training approved by the Commissioner of Police. To receive a precept, a guard must have worked for the agency for at least six months and pass the Commissioner’s precept examination. Source
• The Commissioner of Police issues precepts that give guards constable powers only while on duty and only for the people and property they protect. A precept is tied to the employing agency and cannot be transferred. Source
• Agency licences are renewed every year, and the renewal application must be filed at least two months before expiry. The Firearm User’s Employee’s Certificate for armed guards is also renewed every year, and filing more than two months before expiry keeps it valid while the renewal is decided. Source
• An employer may apply for a Firearm User’s Employee’s Certificate for a precepted guard, and all other firearm matters fall under the Firearms Act. Source

Common Questions

Does MGP hold its own security license in Antigua and Barbuda?

No. In Antigua and Barbuda, officers are employed by vetted security companies that hold the local licenses, and MGP manages the program, its standards and its reporting.