Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, St. Clair Leacock, met on Sunday with Commissioner of Police Enville Williams and senior members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), including the Guard Service, as the country recorded its fourth killing in three weeks.
Two killings, one on Friday and another on Saturday, have brought the homicide count in the country this year to five, on par with last year’s figure, when the country recorded 40 killings.
The three-hour meeting in Kingstown came following the shooting death of Kevin Richards, 25, of Montaque, Mesopotamia in his home village Friday night, and Lenford Peters, 43, of Richland Park on in Diamond/Brighton on Saturday.
“Discussions focused on a broad range of matters directly impacting public safety and citizen security,” the RSVGPF said in a press 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.”
During the meeting, Leacock underscored that the foremost responsibility of any government is the protection and safety of its citizens.
He expressed grave concern about the homicide rate for 2026 and emphasised that there are “too many firearms in the hands of the wrong people,” the statement said.
Leacock announced that the government will undertake an immediate review of the process for issuing firearm licences and permits.
He indicated 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, 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 and stressed that the suppression of 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.
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, the statement said.
Meanwhile, Williams expressed appreciation to Leacock for convening the meeting and for his continued support of the RSVGPF.
The police chief also outlined critical operational needs and asset requirements to enhance the Force’s crime-fighting capacity.
In response, Leacock noted that several initiatives contained within the 2026 National Budget are expected to significantly bolster policing and national security efforts.
“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.
It continued:
“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 turn a blind eye to 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.”
The 40 homicides in SVG in 2025 compares to 54 in 2024, which was one less than the record-setting 55 in 2023.