CAF members provide public affairs workshop for Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force

CAF members provide public affairs workshop for Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force

Untitled Document

July 7, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time: 1:37

By LCdr Alex Wood

In March, a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) team provided a Public Affairs workshop to members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) and other government partners at the ABDF Headquarters, Camp Blizzard, in St. George, Antigua.

The workshop was provided in anticipation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which will be held in St. John's, Antigua in November 2026, when Antigua and Barbuda will become the smallest country ever to host the event. In addition to members of the ABDF, training sessions also included members of the Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister's office, National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), and the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA).

The CAF team, consisting of three Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) and one Imagery Technician (Image Tech), conducted a week-long workshop based on the Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) course. The workshop consisted of lectures and interactive sessions on Basic Public Affairs awareness; Basic Strategic Communication awareness; Basic Issues Management skills; Basic Media Relations skills; Basic knowledge of Public Affairs Tools and Products; Basic Imagery and uses to support Public Affairs; Basic Public Affairs planning skills; and Basic Social Media awareness. The workshop was the first public affairs training provided in collaboration with Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) under Ex TRADEWINDS.

The CAF PA team consisted of lead instructor, LCdr Alex Wood, instructors Capt Suzanne Doe (PAO), Capt Sonia Ménard (PAO), and Sgt Anthony Laviolette (Image Tech). Working with CJOC TRADEWINDS planner, Mr. Clayton Purvis, the team conducted lessons and interactive sessions, provided feedback, and helped to prepare the attendees for the planning and execution of public affairs tasks during an international media event. The training also brought the ABDF together with other partners within Antigua and Barbuda's whole of government, to gain insight on how to align strategic messaging and ensure communications cooperation across various agencies.

The 2026 Public Affairs Workshop in Antigua and Barbuda offered a valuable platform to showcase the CAF's ability to collaborate effectively with allies and partners. It also highlighted the strong professional reputation of CAF public affairs and imagery specialists. Their work demonstrated how a focused, highly motivated team can play a meaningful role in preparing for a major international event.