Grenville’s rhetoric can’t hide the ULP’s crime record

Grenville Williams, the attorney general of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for South Leeward, recently published an opinion piece titled “One to Ten is Murder – A Nation Must Choose.”  In it, he expresses concern over the country’s rising homicide rate and outlines the government’s purported efforts to combat crime. However, this narrative starkly contrasts with the realities on the ground and the ULP’s track record over the past 25 years. 

A legacy of inaction and broken promises

Over the past quarter-century, the ULP has presided over a significant increase in crime, particularly violent crime and organised criminal activity. In 2023, the country recorded 55 homicides, the highest in its recent history, and over 4,000 reported criminal offences. Despite these alarming statistics, the government’s response has been largely reactive and insufficient. 

Williams claims that the government has implemented “strong, practical policies” to address crime. Yet, the reality is that many of these initiatives are either in their infancy or have failed to produce tangible results. For instance, while the 2025 budget allocates funds for additional CCTV cameras and police equipment, these measures are only now being introduced, despite years of escalating violence.

Rejecting constructive engagement

The ULP’s approach to crime has also been marked by a reluctance to engage constructively with opposition proposals, or even civil society. Notably, the government dismissed the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) “Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter”, a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the root causes of crime, particularly among youth. Furthermore, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves once refused to issue a joint statement on crime with then-Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, stating he was not interested in making Eustace look “prime-ministerial”.  Such partisan attitudes have hindered the development of a unified, national strategy to combat crime.

Underfunded and undermanned law enforcement

Despite significant budget allocations to national security — over EC$1 billion in the past 10 to 15 years — the impact on crime reduction has been negligible. Police stations remain in disrepair, and officers often work in substandard conditions.  The country still lacks a functional crime lab, and the judicial system suffers from case backlogs and limited resources . These systemic issues undermine the effectiveness of law enforcement and the broader criminal justice system. 

Election-year rhetoric

Williams’ recent article appears to be more about political posturing than genuine concern for public safety. If he were honest, he would acknowledge that crime fighting and law enforcement in this country is lacking.  But as an election approaches, he and the ULP are attempting to rebrand themselves as tough on crime, despite years of neglect and ineffective policies.

My conclusion

The ULP’s long-standing governance has coincided with a troubling rise in crime and a series of missed opportunities to address its root causes.  Williams’ recent statements, while rhetorically compelling, do little to assuage concerns about the government’s commitment to public safety.  Without substantive policy changes and a willingness to engage in more inclusive solutions, the ULP’s promises are likely to remain unfulfilled, leaving the nation to grapple with the consequences of continued inaction.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

Open Eyes

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