A concerned citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has issued a compelling public appeal to Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday regarding the impending leadership decisions for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF). The author, identifying as “A Keen Observer,” emphasizes writing without malice toward current police commissioners but with serious concerns about qualification-based appointments.
The communication references Prime Minister Friday’s repeated campaign assurances against victimization, particularly his statement that he focuses on how employees perform their duties rather than how they obtained their positions. While expressing support for this philosophy, the author contends that positions requiring specific expertise should not be occupied by underqualified individuals whose poor performance has contributed to escalating crime rates.
Highlighting the constitutional framework that places police commissioner appointments solely within the Prime Minister’s advisory capacity to the Governor-General, the author introduces Station Sergeant Brenton Smith as an exemplary candidate. Smith holds the distinction of being the only police officer with a master’s degree in police leadership and management, previously serving as chairman of the Police Welfare Association where he advocated for officers’ rights.
The letter details Smith’s professional journey, including his dismissal during COVID-19 vaccine mandate implementations and subsequent role as secretary general of a political party that eventually formed the current government. The author argues that Smith’s political involvement should not disqualify him from consideration, particularly since he currently serves as station sergeant.
The appeal concludes by urging Prime Minister Friday to consult rank-and-file police officers regarding their preferred leadership, warning that ignoring these sentiments might validate opposition predictions about governmental instability originating within the police force.