St. Vincent PM urges continued crime fight despite murder-free October

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Godwin Friday says the country recording no murders in October is welcome news but should not be regarded as a reason for celebration, as his government prepares to launch an intensified crime-reduction initiative next month.

Speaking at the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force's 43rd Passing Out Parade, Friday announced that a new 90-day crime-reduction plan would begin on December 7, targeting illegal firearms, criminal gangs, border security, intelligence sharing and increased police visibility.

“We cannot accept a situation in which our people are afraid to walk the streets,” Friday said, stressing that residents should feel safe conducting business, moving freely through their communities and allowing their children to enjoy public spaces.

He acknowledged that too many families had lost loved ones to violence and that communities across the country continued to grapple with the effects of crime.

The prime minister's remarks come amid another violent year in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with authorities reporting 42 murders so far in 2026, compared with 40 recorded last year.

During his inaugural address marking the country's 47th anniversary of political independence from Britain last month, Friday announced the establishment of a national crime-reduction task force aimed at strengthening coordination among law enforcement and other relevant agencies.

The task force will be co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock and Attorney General Sarah Lewis Mitchell.

Friday said the 90-day initiative would focus particularly on “illegal firearms, criminal gangs, our borders, intelligence sharing, and police visibility in our communities,” while also prioritizing the protection of vulnerable young people.

He also highlighted the recent establishment of a police drone unit and ongoing anti-crime operations as part of the government's efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the police force.

However, Friday emphasized that stronger law enforcement must be accompanied by professionalism, accountability and respect for citizens' rights.

Addressing 109 police recruits who had completed six months of training, the prime minister urged them to exercise their authority responsibly and treat members of the public with dignity.

“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 said.

He warned that wearing a police uniform must never 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, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, honesty, restraint and respect.

Friday also reminded the new officers that completing their initial training marked only the beginning of their careers in law enforcement.

“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.

He told the recruits that by joining the police force, they had accepted “a higher responsibility” to protect and serve others.

In moments of fear, anger, confusion or danger, Friday said, members of the public would depend on them to demonstrate “sound judgement, unrelenting courage, fairness, and a willingness to go beyond the norm.”

The prime minister maintained that restoring public confidence and reducing violent crime would require sustained efforts from law enforcement, government agencies and communities, rather than relying on short-term improvements in crime statistics.