The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has unveiled a significant expansion of its national security apparatus, creating 66 new positions within the Ministry of National Security. This strategic move comes in response to mounting public concerns over cross-border criminal activities, firearms and narcotics trafficking, and a troubling exodus of police personnel from the force.
During last week’s presentation of the Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure, Prime Minister Godwin Friday revealed that the majority of these new positions will be allocated to the police force. The expansion includes the creation of an additional Deputy Commissioner of police, bringing the total number to two and substantially reinforcing the command hierarchy that currently oversees four Assistant Commissioners.
The comprehensive staffing enhancement encompasses various ranks throughout the law enforcement structure: one Superintendent of police, two Inspectors, three Station Sergeants, four Sergeants, six Corporals, twenty Constables, and four Traffic Wardens. Prime Minister Friday emphasized the critical need for traffic management personnel, noting the severe congestion challenges in Kingstown that often make walking more efficient than driving.
The Coast Guard Service, operating as the maritime division of the police force, will receive substantial reinforcement through the addition of two Chief Petty Officers, three Petty Officers, two Leading Seamen, and two Able-Body Seamen.
Immigration services will see six new officer positions created to handle increased operational demands at both the new Kingstown Port and Argyle International Airport. Additionally, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) will benefit from five new posts, including one Community Field Officer to strengthen Grenadines operations, one Facilities Officer, and three Light Equipment Operators.
During the Estimates Debate on January 29, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security St. Clair Leacock provided candid insights into the challenges facing the constabulary. Having consulted extensively with senior officers including the Commissioner of police, his deputy, assistant commissioners, and the Police Welfare Association, Leacock revealed concerning attitudes within the ranks, including one senior officer who requested 80 days leave without formal greeting or explanation.
The Deputy Prime Minister, drawing on his background as a former major in the SVG Cadet Force and commandant of the Auxiliary Police Force, committed to building a modern police service ‘from the ground up.’ He condemned the practice of officers being allegedly manipulated by political interests and emphasized the need to eliminate promotion barriers based on political beliefs, stating that no officer should remain a constable for 25 years due to such considerations. Leacock pledged to foster an esprit de corps that understands proper conduct in a contemporary police force.