Reforming national security: an investment in development

With the second administration of President Donald Trump of the United States in full swing, the world watches with cautious anticipation as each policy decision reverberates globally. Among the sweeping changes in Washington, the U.S. Department of Defense has undergone notable reforms, sparking discussions about military recruitment, readiness, and strategy.

Many have speculated on changes set to take place across the department’s five branches, while much progress has already begun. In December 2024, shortly after Trump’s election, the Army experienced its biggest boost in recruitment over the past 15 years, with an average of 350 Americans enlisting daily. While some attribute the beginning of this trend to former President Joe Biden, the tide across the country and the world for a while whispered the likelihood of a Trump presidency in 2025, and the people strategically hedged their bet. This demonstrates a fundamental truth — strong leadership and a shared vision can inspire national service and drive progress. You may think I’m going in a certain direction with that start, but not quite; keep that idea in mind, though.

This same principle applies beyond the United States. For years, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has been tortured by difficulties in recruitment and retention, losing talented youth to “greener pastures” in the form of foreign military and law enforcement agencies, most popularly the British Army and Navy. Some of the brightest, smartest, and fittest of our young people travel across the sea to serve a country they have limited ties to. On the surface, this may seem like just a pursuit of financial security or the allure of life in a “first-world” country. However, the pursuit runs deeper — many young Vincentians do not see prestige, career mobility, or educational advancement within the domestic force.

This crisis in recruitment is a symptom of the broader issue: national security in the Caribbean is in a precarious state. St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is a prime example. We, as a nation are vastly unprepared for the threats most likely to meet our shores; from illegal narcotics to gang violence to national emergencies and natural disasters, as evidenced by Hurricane Beryl. More so, those responsible for assessing and mitigating these risks often lack the necessary resources, strategy, and institutional support to execute this mission. The Ministry of National Security must undertake a comprehensive review and overhaul, with the RSVGPF at the centre of this transformation. The RSVGPF is the foremost internal defence organisation for the sovereign nation of SVG. It must maintain a level of standard on par with international bodies and in line with the capabilities of present and future threats in the region.

Outside the Market Square stands a statue, “the Iron Man”, that represents the best of a Vincentian generation, true patriots and global warriors. The men and women who choose to wear the uniform are Vincentian heroes. Unfortunately, the standard of hero has continued to diminish, as has the standard. To strengthen national security, the RSVGPF must focus on three critical areas: enhancing strategy, improving capabilities, and restructuring the force. This article explores these necessary reforms, outlining practical steps to ensure the RSVGPF not only survives but thrives in an era of increasing security challenges.

Enhancing strategy

When combating serious criminal threats — including hired foreign killers and heinous sexual offenders — law enforcement must operate with a well-organised and coordinated strategy of prevention, intervention, and interdiction. At the core of this effort is a strong police presence in communities. Officers walking the streets, engaging with residents, and establishing themselves as a deterrent to crime not only fosters trust but also enables a rapid response to emerging threats. Increased patrols, particularly in high-risk areas, can significantly enhance police effectiveness while lowering crime rates. Furthermore, residents confident in our officers are more willing to share valuable information that can serve as intelligence for operations.

Beyond street-level policing, strategic operations targeting organised criminal networks must be prioritised. The RSVGPF is blessed to be both a law enforcement institution and a defence body able to perform law enforcement tasks with paramilitary structure, intensity, and tactics. Specialised units within the RSVGPF must be structured to strike at the heart of illegal enterprises, both locally and regionally. These units must be properly organised, trained, streamlined, and empowered to operate with autonomy and precision. However, reform is necessary, for example, the downsizing of specialised units, allowing only the most capable officers to remain in these high-level roles. Many current personnel should be reassigned to bolster patrol divisions or fill critical gaps in under-resourced departments. This restructuring would foster a more structured and squared-away team while supplying deficits throughout other areas of the force.

 If you’ve been in Kingstown recently, you might have seen members of the Special Service Unit patrolling, carrying M4 rifles. In fact, just last week, I witnessed European tourists laughing and posing for photos with an SSU officer outside the Market Plaza, long gun in full view. This raises several concerns. First, in an urban setting, there are few realistic scenarios that would require anything more than a standard-issue semiautomatic pistol, raising the hazard level by introducing that calibre of weapon. Second, such a visible display of heavy weaponry reinforces the negative perception that St. Vincent is a dangerous country, especially to tourists. Finally, specialised operational units should not be conducting routine patrols in full combat gear. Their primary focus should be on mission-specific deployments and continuous training to hone their skills.

To maximise efficiency, a thorough reassessment of the RSVGPF’s organisational focus is essential. While the force has overarching strategic goals, each division, station, and outpost must have clearly defined objectives aligned with those broader aims. A lack of coordination between these various levels results in inefficiencies, redundancies, and operational blind spots. Every officer must come to work with a clear understanding of their role and purpose within the larger mission.

By refining the focus of each unit, reinforcing frontline patrols, and ensuring specialised teams are properly structured and utilised, the RSVGPF can become a more effective and responsive force.

Improve capability

Law enforcement,  regardless of where you are — big city or rural village — is a demanding profession that requires officers to master a diverse range of skills and be capable of applying them under immense pressure. On an average day, an officer might have to render life-saving medical aid, talk down an aggressive spouse in a domestic abuse situation using conflict resolution tools, or search for a missing person using standard investigative techniques. These skills must be ingrained from the very start — officers should leave the training school fully prepared for the realities of the job, with ongoing development to refine and enhance their capabilities over time. Beyond foundational training, professional development must be a priority. As officers advance through the ranks, specialised courses and leadership training become essential, ensuring that those in command possess both the expertise and the strategic vision necessary for effective policing.

Currently, the state of critical police facilities in SVG is unacceptable. The RSVGPF training school is in dire need of renovation, lacking the basic living accommodations, training spaces, and briefing rooms necessary to prepare officers adequately. It is unfit for government personnel to live, train, or operate from, directly undermining the force’s ability to cultivate a professional and capable police force. Similarly, the historic Central Police Station, a landmark in Kingstown, serves as a critical hub for public services such as background checks and driver’s license applications. Yet, despite its importance, the building is outdated and ill-equipped to support modern policing operations. As a headquarters, it fails to project the professionalism and efficiency that should define national law enforcement. These are just two of the many facilities in urgent need of improvement.

Beyond infrastructure, officers are frequently tasked with missions that, while not impossible in themselves, become nearly insurmountable due to a lack of resources — particularly in transportation and communication. Without reliable vehicles, officers struggle to respond effectively to incidents across the country. Without modern communication tools, coordination suffers, reducing operational efficiency and response times.

Even in reviewing the most recent ULP-led government budget, we are reminded that national security is expensive, but it’s an investment with far-reaching benefits. A well-funded and well-equipped police force enhances public safety, boosts tourism, strengthens the economy, and improves the overall quality of life for citizens. The price of security is high, but the cost of inaction is far greater. Action comes in the form of real, genuine development not just showpieces to portray a false image of progress.

Restructure the force

One of the uniquely beautiful aspects of our small island nations is the close connection between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This interconnectedness fosters trust and cooperation, but it also presents challenges. Familiarity can sometimes blur professional boundaries, making it difficult for officers to enforce the law impartially or carry out their duties to the full extent of their authority. This attitude of commonness is further compounded by a lack of discipline within the ranks — a problem that originates at the top and filters down throughout the chain of command.

A clear example of this is the inconsistent emphasis on paramilitary-style customs and courtesies within the RSVGPF. In any professional law enforcement or military organisation, when cadets undergo the initial servicemen development training pipeline, commonly referred to as basic training, there is a particular focus on activities that instil discipline, attention to detail, and respect for leadership. Basic drills and marching exercises are not just ceremonial; they reinforce the importance of precision, coordination, and professionalism. However, recent public events, including state funerals, have revealed lapses in these fundamentals. Minor missteps — such as turning the wrong way or failing to maintain synchronisation — may seem insignificant, but they reflect a broader issue: a lack of uniformity and discipline within the organisation. I’ve had the opportunity to witness high-ranking officers internationally walk into a station under their command and watch the whole force snap to attention. The salutes are sharp and handshakes firm. This is not far from possible for our officers.

Beyond internal discipline, effective crime prevention and national security efforts depend on collaboration at all levels. Intelligence sharing, resource allocation, and inter-agency coordination are critical to addressing modern security challenges. Establishing liaison positions between key agencies within the national security apparatus would significantly enhance operational effectiveness.

Regional organisations such as the Regional Security System and CARICOM IMPACS, along with international allies like U.S. Southern Command and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, offer invaluable opportunities for cross-training, resource sharing, and real-world deployments. However, accessing these opportunities should not be a struggle. Officers should not have to navigate bureaucratic obstacles just to secure training slots at key exercises like the annual Tradewinds Field Training Exercise. Instead, proactive engagement with these organisations should ensure that SVG’s law enforcement personnel receive consistent, high-quality training and professional development.

Mutually beneficial collaboration is the foundation of strong diplomatic and security partnerships. By contributing to the global law enforcement community while simultaneously strengthening our own force, we can build a more professional, disciplined, and capable security apparatus—one that ensures national safety and fosters regional stability. Our officers are diplomats as much as they are warriors.

Conclusion

The ideas outlined here only scratch the surface of the possibilities available to the dedicated men and women of the RSVGPF and other defence organisations. This is not about chasing the latest technology, constructing grand facilities, or implementing training for the sake of appearances. It is about providing those who choose to serve with real opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact. It is about building a nation that is safe for its citizens and visitors alike, offering young Vincentians a viable path to serve right here at home. It is about honouring the legacy of those who flew halfway around the world to fight Nazis on foreign soil then come back to continue to build the nation they left behind. Most importantly, it is about actively shaping regional security, engaging with global partners, and upholding the values of peace and resilience. The proud fighting spirit of Joseph Chatoyer, and of those who stood against tyranny should live on in a force built on courage, discipline, integrity, and constant development.

Many say that some of my ideas would be taken and used by the powers that be. To that, I leave this quote “Sometimes our actions and efforts go unnoticed and our names remain unknown. We must learn that true impact often lies in making a difference without seeking recognition.” Ride on!

Daniel Burgin ([email protected])

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