Press Release. Updated 7:40 p.m., Sunday, February 8, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, etc., St. Clair Leacock, convened an emergency meeting on Sunday with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Enville Williams, senior members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) High Command, and representatives of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service.
The meeting, which lasted approximately three (3) hours, was held in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs. It was convened in response to recent incidents of gun violence, including the fatal shootings of Mr. Kevin Richards, 25, formerly of Montaque, Mesopotamia, and Mr. Lenford Peters, 43, formerly of Richland Park. These incidents occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, and Saturday, February 7, 2026, respectively.
Discussions focused on a broad range of matters directly impacting public safety and citizen security. 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, Minister 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 emphasized that there are “too many firearms in the hands of the wrong people.”
The Minister further announced that the Government will undertake an immediate review of the process governing the issuance of 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 made it clear that no gang or individual will be permitted to exert control over any part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He cautioned against the normalization 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 organizations, schools, families, and communities.
Minister 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.
Following the Minister’s remarks, a comprehensive discussion ensued on the matters raised. Commissioner of Police Enville Williams expressed appreciation to Minister Leacock for convening the meeting and for his continued support of the RSVGPF. The Commissioner also outlined critical operational needs and asset requirements to enhance the Force’s crime-fighting capacity. In response, Minister 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 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.
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