Brenton Smith, who was elected general secretary of the New Democratic Party after being fired from the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) under the then Unity Labour Party government in November 2021, has returned to work.
Smith, who attained the rank of station sergeant of police, returned to work on Monday, four years and one month to the day that he was fired.
It is not clear when he resigned his post as general secretary of the NDP but he informed the party’s central committee of the development at 11 a.m. on Saturday, iWitness News was reliably informed.
Smith is said to be on leave from the police force. iWitness News understands that his accumulated leave could see him remain on leave until August 2026.
He announced his return to the police force in a Facebook post on Monday, saying:
“Today, 22nd December 2025, four years later, I return to work, marking a new chapter in my journey—one that I never thought would unfold like this. November 22nd, 2021, is a day that will forever be etched in my memory as the day I was dismissed from the force for standing by my convictions.”
Smith said that as he walked through “these gates” today – an apparent reference to the police headquarters – “I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions: relief, gratitude, and a sense of vindication.
“The past few years have been a test, one that challenged my principles and tested my resolve. But today, as I look around the station office compound and see the warm smiles and welcoming faces, I know that it was all worth it.”
He thanked fellow police officer for their support, “the camaraderie, and the sense of belonging.
“Your excitement and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed, and it means the world to me. As I take my place among you once again, I’m reminded of the values that we hold dear: integrity, honour, and a commitment to serve. I’m proud to be part of this force, and I’m excited to contribute to the reforms and progress that lie ahead.
“Let’s move forward together with renewed purpose and a steadfast dedication to our mission,” Smith said.
A well-placed source told iWitness News that Smith informed the NDP’s central committee of his resignation at 11 a.m. Saturday, saying he had done so with immediate effect.
“This is a result of my return as a member of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force,” Smith said.
“As I reflect on the past four years serving as Secretary General, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity given to me by the members who elected me to serve, and to our esteemed President and now Prime Minister, for the trust placed in me,” he said in the message, a copy of which was obtained by iWitness News.
“Your unwavering support has been the backbone of our party’s success. I am honoured to have worked alongside such a talented and passionate team,” Smith said in the note, in which he also thanked individual members of the party for their support.
“Winning in politics is exhilarating, but the true challenge lies in meeting the demands of our people. You have shown me that with unity and determination, we can achieve greatness,” he said.
“As I transition back to the police force, I am taking a well-deserved vacation. My focus now shifts to building my business and penning my autobiography — a story of trials, triumphs, and lessons learned.
“Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support has meant the world to me, and I will carry these memories with pride.”
Smith returned to work under the NDP policy of reinstating with benefits intact, public sector workers fired under the vaccine mandate.
The ULP had a similar policy under which some of the affected workers returned to work.
However, unlike the ULP, the NDP has promised to compensate the workers for the income that they lost as a result of the mandate.
The public sector unions have sponsored a lawsuit against the government’s actions. The workers won at the High Court, but the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling in a 2-1 majority judgment.
The case is now on its way to the London-based Privy Council for final determination.
Very disciplined and principled man. Wish him well.