“Guns Down, Vibes Up”: NCCP Pushes Anti-Violence Message for Carnival 2026

By S.Browne. Updated 3:27 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The National Commission on Crime Prevention (NCCP) has launched its “Guns Down, Vibes Up” campaign as part of efforts to promote a safe and crime-free Carnival 2026 season in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Operating under the Ministry of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, the initiative will be visible throughout the carnival period through promotional materials and a range of public awareness activities.

The NCCP said the campaign comes amid ongoing concerns surrounding gun violence and is aimed at engaging young people, discouraging gang involvement, and reducing the glorification of violence during the festive season.

As part of the campaign rollout, the NCCP partnered with the St. Vincent Grammar School Graduating Committee for its Glow Run event held last Saturday under the theme “Badness Outta Style.” The event featured participation from NCCP Director Timora Peters and Crime Prevention Officer Ryan Barbour. Also in attendance was Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister, Major St. Clair Leacock.

The NCCP said it has been engaging with various youth groups, including football teams and carnival crews, as well as participating in rural carnival activities across the country. It added that these engagements provide opportunities to promote positive messaging and reinforce the objectives of the campaign.

The “Guns Down, Vibes Up” initiative forms part of the NCCP’s wider year-round crime prevention strategy, which includes school-based interventions, community consultations, and its flagship programme, Project Motion SVG.

Project Motion SVG is structured around three core pillars: sports development, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and literary development. These are delivered through DRUMS (Developing Resilient Unique Minds through Sports), MAKE (Mastery, Apprenticeship, Knowledge and Empowerment), and KICKS (Kindness, Imagination, Culture, Knowledge and Storytelling).

The NCCP said these initiatives are designed to equip young people with practical skills, creative outlets, and positive opportunities, while contributing to safer communities and reducing crime and violence across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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