By Val Matthias. Updated 6:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Major St. Clair Leacock and Attorney General Ms. Louise Mitchell will co-chair a newly announced National Crime Reduction Task Force, established by Cabinet to strengthen the government’s response to violent crime in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday announced the initiative during his Independence Day address at Arnos Vale Stadium on Tuesday, October 27, saying gun-related crime was “shattering our peace and destroying young lives.”
The task force will bring together agencies responsible for law enforcement, border protection, maritime security, financial intelligence, Customs, the Coast Guard and Justice.
According to Dr. Friday, its membership will include representatives from relevant ministries, heads of departments and senior leadership of the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).
He said the objective is to ensure that all elements of crime-fighting and the justice system work more closely together, with stronger communication and coordination. The task force will also consult other stakeholders in society where necessary.
Dr. Friday said the country must strengthen its networks to stay ahead of criminals and described the government’s approach as one in which the political will exists to organise a more coordinated response to the problem.
The Prime Minister also announced that the Attorney General’s Chambers had been mandated to pursue criminal justice reform aggressively, with the aim of closing loopholes that could allow criminals to operate.
He did not provide a timetable for the task force to begin its work or outline the specific legislative changes that would form part of the proposed reforms.
The announcement comes amid heightened concern over gun violence, including the September shooting in Green Hill that left four people dead and four others injured.
In a September 30 interview on NBC Radio, Dr. Friday said the government was developing a comprehensive plan to address crime and violence, particularly serious offences. He stressed that the response must go beyond a stronger police presence and examine the root causes of crime, including why some young people become involved in violence and how illegal firearms enter the country.
The Green Hill killings also prompted renewed discussions about security operations and the need for a broader response involving government agencies and other parts of society.
In February, Major Leacock convened an emergency meeting with the Police High Command and Coast Guard following fatal shootings. Discussions included illegal firearms, gang activity, crime prevention, police resources and the capacity of the security services. The government also announced a review of the process for issuing firearm licences and permits.
The new government task force is being announced as the police force pursues its own crime-fighting measures.
In August, Assistant Commissioner of Police Brenton Smith was assigned responsibility for overseeing the RSVGPF’s crime-fighting efforts, including improving coordination among police units and strengthening accountability for investigations.
Police also announced in September that they would increase their presence in Kingstown and outlying districts as part of renewed crime-prevention efforts.
The National Crime Reduction Task Force, however, is intended to bring together a wider range of agencies beyond the police force, including those responsible for border security, financial intelligence and the justice system.
While the Prime Minister described the task force’s intended role, his Independence address did not identify a launch date, provide a detailed work programme or specify how its performance would be measured.
The government’s next steps will determine how the task force’s proposed coordination and criminal justice reforms are translated into action.
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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com
