Clare Valley Attack Had ‘No Political Motive’: Major Leacock

By Val Matthias and Admin. Updated 3:46 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Public Service St Clair Leacock has said a violent attack on a public servant and her mother in Clare Valley had “no political motive”, urging the public not to speculate as police continue their investigation.

One News SVG was able to confirm that the elderly lady is Nadia Slater’s aunt and not her mother as the minister claims. Slater’s mother is deceased.

Speaking on the New Times radio programme on May 5, after visiting the injured victims in hospital, Major Leacock stressed that attempts to link the incident to politics were unfounded.

“It doesn’t even come close to that,” he said. “So just stop it.”

The victim, Nadia Slater, a public servant, was attacked at her home after responding to a knock at the door and recognising the individual, according to the minister.

One News SVG was able to confirm reports that the alleged perpetrator entered through a window.

Police, acting on a report received around 03:00, visited the home and found both Slater and her mother (correctly, her aunt) injured. Leacock said the assault involved physical force and objects, including a gas cylinder, describing it as severe.

“The injuries must have been very brutal,” he said, adding: “No one really should be subjected to that kind of treatment.”

He said Slater was conscious but not in a position to speak at length when he visited her, while her mother (correctly, her aunt) appeared to be in a more serious condition.

“It appeared to me that she may still have been in a semi-unconscious state,” he said, noting indications of internal bleeding.

Leacock said a family member had been arrested in connection with the incident and was assisting police with their investigations.

While declining to speculate on motive, he said officers had not identified any clear reason for the attack.

“None of them could come up with any motive,” he said.

He also cautioned against drawing conclusions about the suspect’s mental state, noting that such matters would be addressed through the legal process.

Speaking in his capacity as Minister of the Public Service, Major Leacock said it was important for him to visit Slater, given her role within the public service, and to offer support on behalf of the government. The deputy prime minister said the focus should remain on the recovery of the victims and on maintaining public confidence in safety.

“People need to know that they can walk the streets of St Vincent and the Grenadines and rest peacefully in the quiet of their homes,” he said. Police say investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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