OPINION: One to Ten is Murder – A Nation Must Choose

The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer.

“One to Ten is Murder – A Nation Must Choose”
Campaign Theme: “People Before Politics. Security For All.”

My dear people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,
Our national anthem reminds us of something profound in our hearts: “Let peace reign from shore to shore.” This is more than just a line; it’s a promise we owe to every child, every mother, every neighbour across this blessed land. On some days, that peace feels further and further out of reach.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, another life was claimed by violence, bringing the national homicide count for the year to ten. Ten individuals lost. Ten families were irreparably affected. This progression from one to ten is more than a numerical tally—it represents a series of violent acts, each resulting in the loss of a human life. These are not just numbers; each case is a tragedy, and each victim is significant.

In all honesty, the loss of a life is a collective loss for our society. These individuals are not solely case numbers, “criminals,” or statistics. They are siblings, sons, fathers, and friends; human beings whose lives were significant and whose absence has left a permanent void.

This is more than just a crime statistic; it’s a call to action for all of us. When one of our young men is murdered, the impact extends far beyond the individual loss: a mother grieves, a sister mourns, a child is left without a role model, and an entire community is gripped by fear and uncertainty.
This fear incurs a cost. Resources are progressively allocated to policing, emergency medical services, and funeral costs; money that could otherwise be invested in education, vocational training, infrastructure, and community development. Consequently, the vitality and potential of our communities are expended on the struggle for survival, rather than being directed towards collective advancement and growth.

Under the leadership of this government, your government, we have already established a foundation for meaningful solutions. We are not idle; we are responding with urgency and compassion. And I affirm today that our efforts will continue and expand, not because it is popular or convenient, but because it is essential.
 
When it comes to public safety, we are working together. No single branch of government can address this challenge in isolation. Yet, with trusted leadership, clear priorities, and the people’s confidence, we cancontinue to build a safer nation for all.
 
Here’s how we begin:
 

1. Real Policies for Real Problems
   We have already implemented strong, practical policies grounded in data, shaped by experience, and executed urgently. Yet we remain prepared to reinforce and expand these efforts. This entails developing clearer strategies, enacting targeted legislation, and ensuring that regulations are not merely symbolic but deliver measurable outcomes. This government is dedicated to meaningful progress.
    
    
2. Target the ‘Bad Guys’ with Precision and Power
   A significant number of these homicides are linked to drug trafficking and organized criminal activity. In response, this administration has intensified its focus on intelligence-led policing.
   Through increased resources and enhanced training, our law enforcement agencies are now better equipped than ever to detect threats and dismantle criminal networks, operating strictly within the framework of the law and with unwavering respect for human rights.
   Effective policing saves lives, so this government remains firmly committed to accountability and professionalism in every uniform.
    
3. Keep Our Children in School and Off the Streets
   The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with our social protection services, is already delivering vital support through school meals, transportation, and access to learning tools. But we are committed to going further.
   We will proactively identify at-risk children and ensure that none are left behind. By supporting families, intervening early, and creating pathways to opportunity rather than incarceration, we will offer our youth a future built on promise, not punishment.
    
    
    
4. Build Stronger, Safer Communities
   The programmes already exist—Pan Against Crime, the Cadet Corps, and Police Youth Clubs. What is needed now is scale: increased funding, stronger partnerships, and measurable outcomes. This government firmly believes that positive role models and economic opportunity can be just as impactful as patrol cars.
   That is why we are committed to expanding skills training, connecting young people with meaningful employment, and ensuring that every young man and woman in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a reason to believe in their future.
    
5. Let the People Lead
   This is leadership that listens. That is why we have engaged in consultations across towns and villages throughout the country, and that dialogue continues.
   You, the people, know what works, what doesn’t, who is most vulnerable, and where the critical gaps lie.
   We are committed to keeping those channels open through town halls, WhatsApp hotlines, church outreach, and neighborhood watch programmes. Public safety must be built with the public at its center.
   This is not about shifting blame; it is about shared responsibility. It is about strengthening every voice and transforming every idea into action to pursue national peace.
    
    
    
6. Strengthen Integrity at the Borders
   This administration has made significant investments in technology, intelligence, and international cooperation to enhance the monitoring and security of our ports of entry. While most of our border personnel serve with honour and integrity, any breach of public trust will be addressed definitively.
   Corruption will not be tolerated at any level. Those who facilitate the importation of illegal drugs or firearms will face swift and lawful consequences. This government’s position is unequivocal: our borders are not for sale.
    
   My friends, we are not without hope, and we are certainly not powerless. We are a resilient, intelligent, and compassionate people. With your continued support, we can reclaim our communities, rebuild trust, and restore the promise of peace from shore to shore.
   Let us not wait for tragedy to be our teacher. Let us act now; with heart, with discipline, and with unity.
   This is not about partisanship; it is about partnership. It is about putting People Before Politics and building Security For All.
   I, Grenville T. Williams, stand before you not only as a candidate, but as your neighbour, your brother, and your partner in progress.
   Let us walk this road together. Let us choose peace. Let us choose one another.
   Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.