St. Clair Leacock, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Public Service of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has voiced measured optimism regarding the cooperation of public servants following the recent political transition. In a Monday interview on Boom FM, Leacock acknowledged that some officials remain loyal to the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration but predicted they would ultimately align with the new government.
The Central Kingstown representative, whose New Democratic Party (NDP) ended the ULP’s 25-year governance in November’s general election, addressed concerns about bureaucratic resistance. He characterized the situation as a natural consequence of prolonged single-party rule, noting that institutional culture cannot transform overnight.
Leacock revealed he would personally accompany several public workers dismissed under the previous administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate who were experiencing difficulties reinstating their positions. This intervention demonstrates the government’s commitment to implementing its policy of reinstating affected employees.
The Deputy Prime Minister articulated a pragmatic perspective on political allegiance within the civil service, recognizing public servants’ right to personal political beliefs while distinguishing between legitimate dissent and active obstruction. He expressed confidence that most officials would rationally recognize the new political reality and cooperate accordingly.
With a January 31 deadline established for the reinstatement process, Leacock warned that persistent non-compliance would trigger administrative consequences. He commended certain sectors, particularly the police force, for their efficient implementation of the reinstatement policy while noting varying levels of cooperation across government entities.
The government has developed a detailed implementation process through the Attorney General’s office, emphasizing the complex financial and administrative considerations involved in reintegrating dismissed workers into the public service payroll.