Major St. Leacock: “We have to do what we have to do”

By Val Matthias. Updated 10:02 a.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security St. Clair Leacock has defended a series of planned changes within the police force in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including a stronger police presence in schools, saying the measures are necessary to address growing concerns over violence, disorder and public safety.

Speaking on National Broadcasting Corporation Radio’s (NBC Radio’s) Face to Face programme, Mr Leacock outlined what he described as a major restructuring of the country’s law enforcement system nearly six months after the government took office.

The minister announced several leadership changes within the high command of the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, including new deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, alongside wider reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and specialised policing units.

Among the most controversial proposals is the reassignment of senior officers to oversee security within schools.

Mr Leacock said authorities had reached the decision after consultations with school principals, parent-teacher associations and police leadership, as concerns grow over student behaviour, violence and security breaches on school compounds.

“The whole management of law and order around school compounds” had become a priority, he said.

The minister acknowledged criticism from some members of the public who oppose police involvement in schools but insisted the government’s position was based on “evidence-based” assessments and repeated requests for intervention from educational institutions.

“We are proceeding with that, even recognising the objections,” he said.

Mr Leacock also rejected suggestions that the reforms signalled the emergence of a “police state”, describing such claims as “far-fetched”.

“We have to do what we have to do,” he added.

Alongside the police reforms, Mr Leacock said the government intends to expand recruitment into specialised units such as the Rapid Response Unit and the Special Services Unit, while also strengthening the fire service.

The deputy prime minister linked the reforms to broader concerns about crime and public disorder, pointing to incidents of violence in public spaces and recent police operations that uncovered what he described as troubling findings.

END