NDP GS, dismissed cop Brenton Smith urges former colleagues to vote out ULP

Former police officer, Brenton Smith, who lost his job under the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and has since become Secretary General of the main opposition New Democratic Party, has urged his colleagues to vote against the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Brenton Smith made his maiden campaign speeches last week in Town Hill, where he highlighted issues affecting police officers and promised better under an NDP administration.

He said he wanted to address his colleagues directly, noting the increase in homicides in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, especially gun-related killings.

“Even with your best efforts, the government continues to show little or no empathy,” the former station sergeant of police said.

“Your living and working conditions have been the worst in living memory. Right at Central Police Station, you had to use placards taken away from protestors to save you from the elements,” he said.

He said that pigeons’ droppings fall on police officers’ beds at the barracks, while roaches and rats occupy the same space as members of the constabulary.

“The Special Services Unit, you had to put mattresses in the roof to prevent the rain from wetting you,” he said of a tactical unit of the police force. 

“Chateaubelair, Rose Hall, Layou, and Vermont had to share their space with bats, yet you still have to go out and fight crime and protect our people despite all these ills,” Smith said. 

“How do you feel leaving your decent home to spend so many hours or even days in such working conditions? You deserve much better. This government doesn’t care about you. Under an NDP government, all stations will be repaired or rebuilt so you can better serve our people.”

Smith said there would be increases in salaries and allowances so police officers would not be “denied at the bank or be told they have to get a partner in order to get a mortgage at the bank to start their dream homes. 

“We are the lowest paid in the eastern Caribbean. Are we the worst?” Smith said.

He said some officers act in their ranks for five or 10 years without any additional pay for the increased responsibilities. 

“In fact, in discussions with our next prime minister, persons will not act for more than six months, and if they do, they must be paid,” he said, referring to Opposition Leader and NDP President, Godwin Friday.

“Unfair promotions will be a thing of the past, and the Police Service Commission will be allowed to do their work. My people, I say to you, better days are coming,” Smith said.

To members of the Auxiliary Police Force, Smith said that Friday had made a public pledge to them in an address to the nation. 

He said that all rural constables, traffic wardens, and tourist police will become pensioners so that you, our heroes, can retire with the peace of mind you have earned through your years of service.

In 2018, the ULP administration disbanded the rural constables, who were charged with fighting against the theft of farm animals and produce.

In making his case for disbanding the unit, Gonsalves said that some of its members had not made a single arrest in 10 years and others were little more than glorified chefs at police stations. 

However, Senator Israel Bruce, the NDP’s candidate for South Central Windward, said that while the programme was a good one, its implementation was poor and promised that an NDP administration would revise and reintroduce it.

“The rural constables will be reemployed with a proper structure of promotions and the necessary resources given to protect the farmers from praedial larceny in our rural communities,” Smith said.

“This, undoubtedly, will safeguard our agricultural resources.”

Smith also addressed what he said was a rumour that an NDP government would fire public sector workers.  

“Let me say this again: I was fired and I know what it feels like, the hardships that come with it. The NDP believes in creating employment for all Vincentians, so I say to you that will never happen. 

“Don’t believe the lies from desperate men and women who care nothing about you but rather about themselves and their families.”

Smith said that Friday once told him, “Brenton, I can’t wait to become Prime Minister to increase salaries and back pay at the end of the year for our hardworking public servants, teachers, and police officers.” 

“As a past union man, it was the best thing coming to my ears. I, too, can’t wait to see the smiles on people’s faces. I can’t wait to see how civilised negotiations between the government and the unions will be like. My people, I say better days are coming.”

On the issue of how the NDP initiatives are to be financed, Smith said the citizenship by investment programme that the NDP will introduce “will contribute significantly, but most importantly, to developing the productive sectors such as agriculture, tourism, blue, and new economy.”

Smith told NDP supporters that the party’s campaign machinery is “well-oiled and ready for the battle to save the people of this country from tyranny”.

He said he was also speaking “as a voice for the countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities — our police officers, teachers, nurses, and public servants. 

“For nearly 25 years, we have stood in opposition, but today, I bring a message of hope and renewal.

“We have witnessed the struggles faced by those who have been unjustly affected by the government’s vaccine mandate. Our brave police officers, our dedicated teachers, our compassionate nurses, doctors, and our committed public servants who have been sidelined and their livelihoods affected.”

He also acknowledged “young, brilliant professionals who were and continue to be persecuted under this wicked regime”, saying, “but the NDP will fix it, and I can assure you, better days are coming!

He noted that he lost his job as a police officer also four years after serving for 27 years.

“I lost my job because I decided not to take the vaccine; as a result, my dreams were shattered. 

“I lost my medical and whole life insurance, and I had to turn one of my bedrooms into an apartment in order to help take care of my family,” he said.

“Some of my colleagues lost their homes, cars, their families, and others couldn’t eat properly and make ends meet. We all suffered in more ways than you could ever imagine. 

“My friends Kay and Shanile, two brave professional teachers, understand this fully. But today, I say to you, better days are coming.”

He said the electorate can trust the promise of the NDP that all public servants, teachers, nurses, doctors, and police officers dismissed under the mandate will return to work with full pay and compensation “for the evil meted out from the vaccine mandate. 

“As the Major will say, on day one of an NDP government, don’t wait, just return to work,” he said, referring to Central Kingstown MP, Major St. Clair Leacock, an NDP vice-president.

“My people, I wouldn’t have joined this party if I didn’t believe in the policies and the love exhibited to the people of this country,” Smith said.

“Looking on from the outside, the New Democratic Party, though not perfect  — because I leave perfection to the Almighty — is by far the better choice for leading this country at this time.”

On the issue of standard of living, Smith said the cost of food and transportation is getting higher each day. 

“Healthcare, especially for our elderly, is costly and shameful to say the least. Our utilities are outrageous, gas for our vehicles and transportation in this country is ridiculous

“I am quite certain that you yearn for a better standard of living, but that is not possible under this government. So what do we do?  “Get rid of them!” Get rid of them!” Smith said.