St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock has declared that comprehensive reorientation is essential to depoliticize the nation’s police force. Speaking on state-owned NBC Radio, the minister emphasized his unique qualifications for the portfolio, citing his background as a behavioral scientist, management specialist, and former commandant of the St. Vincent Cadet Force.
Minister Leacock’s statements come amid growing public concern over serious crimes, particularly murders, following the November general elections that resulted in a landslide victory for the New Democratic Party (NDP) over the Unity Labour Party (ULP). The political shift has intensified calls from citizens and NDP supporters for structural changes within police leadership.
The minister revealed he has received extensive recommendations regarding appointments to key positions including Commissioner of Police but cautioned against hasty personnel changes. Leacock attributed current challenges within the force to what he described as a damaging political culture that has compromised proper policing protocols.
“The police force and its leadership are themselves victims of the political culture,” Leacock stated. “Officers often feel obligated to respond to political directives rather than apply proper police protocols.”
Leacock outlined his vision for transforming the constabulary into a more effective organization through systematic reform. His approach includes developing specialized training regimes, implementing new leadership development programs, and creating distinct career pathways for enlisted officers versus those pursuing command positions. The minister stressed that meaningful institutional change requires careful planning and cannot be achieved within short-term political timelines.