KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Nov 9, CMC – St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday says the fact that the island did not record any murder in October, while it is welcoming news, should not be regarded as a reason for celebration.
“We cannot accept a situation in which our people are afraid to walk the streets,” he said in an address to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force’s 43rd Passing Out Parade, noting that the government’s next intensified crime-reduction phase would begin on December 7, with a 90-day plan targeting illegal firearms, criminal gangs, border protection, intelligence sharing and greater police visibility.
Friday said that too many families had lost loved ones and communities had been shaken by violence and that people should be able to conduct their businesses and let their children enjoy their communities.
Last month, in his inaugural address to mark the island’s 47th anniversary of politiccal independence from Britain, Prime Minister Friday announced that the government had established a national crime-reduction task force to improve coordination among relevant agencies.
The establishment of the task force comes amidst another violent year in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the authorities reporting 42 murders so far this year as compared to 40 last year.
Friday said that Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock and Attorney General Sarah Lewis Mitchell would co-chair the task force and that the 90-day plan would pay particular attention to “illegal firearms, criminal gangs, our borders, intelligence sharing, and police visibility in our communities”, as well as protecting vulnerable young people.
The prime minister also pointed to the recent establishment of a police drone unit and ongoing anti-crime operations as part of efforts to build the force’s capabilities while upholding high standards of professional conduct.
“You can be firm in enforcing the law, but still be fair. Remember, you are not the law. You, like every one of us, is required to uphold the law. You can never go beyond the law,” Friday told the 109 recruits, urging them to treat people with dignity, exercise authority fairly and ensure that the uniform did not become “an excuse for arrogance and abuse.
“The public must be able to trust the men and women who are sworn to protect us. That trust must be earned every day” he said, through professionalism, honesty, restraint and respect.
“Being here today after six months of training is just the beginning. You must continue lifelong learning. Develop your abilities. Take pride in serving your country, in serving your people.”
He said the recruits had accepted “a higher responsibility” by volunteering to protect others.
In moments of fear, anger, confusion or danger, the public would look to them for “sound judgement, unrelenting courage, fairness, and a willingness to go beyond the norm”.
CMC/lkc/ir/2026