“3 killed as another businessperson gunned down in St Vincent.” That headline from I-Witness News is more than just a headline — it’s a disturbing reflection of the current state of affairs in our beloved nation. Once again, the issue of crime is taking centre stage, and just like the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, it demands more than press conferences — it demands real, urgent action.
According to regional pollster and political analyst Peter Wickham, crime and the economy are the two main threats that could cause the Unity Labour Party (ULP) to lose power. That analysis rings true in SVG today, where the rising tide of violent crime continues to shake public confidence.
Throughout his 24-year tenure, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has prided himself as the “minister of everything” — from Foreign Affairs to Legal Affairs — yet National Security, the one ministry he doesn’t hold, remains under scrutiny. Ironically, in December 2024, the Prime Minister admitted that the intelligence division of the police — the Special Branch — is operating 30 years behind. Sound familiar? It echoes the very same critique that Dr. Kishore Shallow made when he said SVG is decades behind our neighbours like St. Lucia — a statement that was publicly rebutted by the PM.
But where does the responsibility lie?
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is tasked with national security and defense. The Minister of National Security is responsible for the appointment of the Commissioner of Police. Over the past seven years, we’ve seen multiple commissioners come and go. Today, we must objectively evaluate the current top cop.
Commissioner Williams was the most junior among his peers. Was he the most qualified for the role? Since his appointment, has he demonstrated any strategic leadership in crime fighting? Is there a comprehensive crime strategy in place? “Pan Against Crime” may sound good on paper, but if steelpan were the solution, Trinidad and Tobago would be the safest country in the Caribbean. Perhaps this explains why Commissioner Williams remains in an “acting” capacity.
Is our police force truly equipped to fight crime?
With each gun-related homicide, forensic teams are seen collecting evidence. But what happens to that evidence? Are we utilizing modern forensics to prosecute criminals, or is it simply shelved at the Criminal Records Office? The fact remains: the state has not won a single case based on forensic evidence. That alone is a damning indictment.
While writing this, the police hierarchy held a press conference on the recent triple homicide. I encourage you to look at that recording — observe how many of the four senior officers wore shirts with the RSVGPF logo. On a Saturday, in the face of national mourning, professionalism should have been the bare minimum. To me, it symbolized a demoralized police force.
Meanwhile, a veteran officer with over 20 years of service posted, “We should no longer accept statements from our government that it is doing everything possible to fight crime.” A stark, honest statement from someone within the system.
Even more striking was a post from a well-known social media personality — who recently appeared in a Ministry of Culture shirt at a ULP event — calling out the government. She wrote: “A press conference was held a few days ago by our Prime Minister about CBI, a programme not even implemented yet. But what about crime? This is a 2×4 country and every citizen is affected. A press conference is needed to discuss gun crime strategy. The situation is overbearing and needs urgent attention.”
She’s right. We don’t need slogans. We need solutions.
Unless we see meaningful changes in policing standards, crime-fighting strategies, and increased prosecution and conviction rates, we’ll still be having this same discussion after the next general elections.
In the midst of this national tragedy, I commend Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, who postponed his red lime out of respect. As he put it: “During this difficult time, standing in solidarity with our community in mourning and reflection is important… Keep the family in prayers, and we must all stand together in the fight against crime and violence.”
He’s right too.
Now is the time for policy over politics. Crime affects us all — red, yellow, green or otherwise. Blame divides. Reflection unites. And only unity will carry us forward.
Dalroy Roban
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT THOSE OF ASBERTH NEWS NETWORK