In a remarkable political comeback, Brenton Smith returned on December 22, 2025, to the position from which he had been dismissed after 27 years of service, achieving his stated objective of ousting what he termed “the wicked ULP administration” that had suppressed Vincentian citizens. Smith now announces his departure from active politics, expressing both pride and humility in having facilitated this governmental transition.
The recent change in administration has created a pivotal opportunity for comprehensive reform within the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF). The new government faces the critical task of addressing systemic issues through strategic improvements in morale, human resource management, promotional processes, officer welfare, and forensic capabilities.
Central to the reform agenda is the enhancement of officer morale through regular satisfaction surveys, implementation of recognition programs, mental health support services, and fostering cultures of transparency and accountability. The restructured promotion process must prioritize merit-based advancement supported by continuous professional development, including specialized training in forensic science, cybercrime, and community policing strategies.
Frontline patrol officers require significant investment as they represent the public face of the RSVGPF. The reform proposal emphasizes assigning experienced personnel to beat duties, equipping them with properly maintained mobile units featuring modern technology, and establishing recognition systems for exceptional community engagement.
Forensic capabilities demand substantial upgrading through equipment modernization, specialized training, and international collaboration to adopt global best practices. Resource allocation must prioritize a modern vehicle fleet with reliable maintenance and fueling systems to ensure operational readiness.
An innovative revenue generation model proposes partial commercialization of the police garage, offering services to external agencies and private entities while maintaining transparency to prevent conflicts of interest. Operational efficiency could be improved through a centralized garage system with decentralized inspection protocols, reducing vehicle downtime and minimizing external repair dependencies.
Judicial system reforms must address witness intimidation through protection programs, strengthened legal frameworks, community engagement initiatives, and anonymous reporting mechanisms. Smith references a comprehensive policy manual developed over five years with assistance from WPC Gordon and RSS projects, which provides a framework for international standard procedures, capacity building, accountability systems, and community policing principles.
These collective reforms present the new administration with an unprecedented opportunity to transform the RSVGPF into an effective, efficient, and respected institution serving the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with excellence.