KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – National Security Minister, St. Clair Leacock, has held talks with Police Commissioner Enville Williams and senior members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) after the country recorded its fourth murder in three weeks.
Police said that two murders on Friday and another on Saturday have brought the homicide count so far this year to five, on par with last year’s figure, when the country recorded 40 killings, which was lower than the 54 murders in 2024, which was one less than the record-setting 55 in 2023.
“Discussions focused on a broad range of matters directly impacting public safety and citizen security,” the RSVGPF said in a statement.
“Key areas included crime prevention strategies, the proliferation of illegal firearms, gun-related crimes, gang activity, police manpower and attrition, operational assets, working conditions, traffic management, emoluments, and overall capacity enhancement within the security services,” it added.
The statement said that during the meeting, Leacock said that the foremost responsibility of any government is the protection and safety of its citizens, expressing grave concern about the homicide rate for 2026, adding that there are “too many firearms in the hands of the wrong people”.
Leacock has since announced that the government will undertake an immediate review of the process for issuing firearm licences and permits, indicating that more rigorous background checks will be implemented, and disclosed that licences previously issued for high-powered rifles to civilians will be revoked.
Addressing the issue of gangs and gang-related activity, Leacock, who is also the deputy prime minister, said no gang or individual will be permitted to exert control over any part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He cautioned against the normalisation of gang culture. He stressed that suppressing emerging gang activity requires a collaborative approach involving not only the police but also government agencies, civil society, the private sector, faith-based organisations, schools, families, and communities.
The statement said Leacock assured the police high command of the government’s full support for crime prevention and enforcement initiatives and committed to providing the necessary human, financial, and material resources to strengthen national security operations.
Meanwhile, Williams also outlined critical operational needs and asset requirements to enhance the police crime-fighting capacity.
“The meeting concluded on a positive and resolute note, with the Police High Command affirming their commitment to the immediate implementation of enhanced crime-fighting and crime-prevention initiatives,” the statement said.
“The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force urges all law-abiding citizens to partner with the police in building safer communities. Public cooperation is essential to the effective prevention and detection of crime. Citizens are reminded: Do not disregard crime. Do not harbour criminals. If you see something, say something.
“To those engaged in criminal activity, the RSVGPF issues a clear warning: cease all unlawful conduct immediately or face the full consequences of the law. The Force remains resolute in its mandate to investigate, arrest, and prosecute offenders in the interest of public safety and national security.”
and then 