Kingstown, St Vincent 13 May 2026-The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has announced a major restructuring of its senior ranks, with new deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners appointed as part of efforts to modernise operations and strengthen leadership.
Trevor “Buju” Bailey has been promoted to deputy commissioner, filling the role as Deputy Commissioner Frankie Joseph prepares to go on leave. Dwayne Bailey is set also to return to the top ranks. His appointment marks his return to the upper ranks of the force and, unusually, means two members of the same household will now serve simultaneously at deputy commissioner level.
Inspector Brenton Smith has also been promoted directly to assistant commissioner of police, bypassing several intermediate ranks. He will oversee human resource development, including recruitment, training, welfare, and performance management. Another senior officer, Superintendent Simmons, is expected to join him at assistant commissioner level.
Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister St Clair Leacock, who announced the changes on NBC Radio’s Face to Face programme, said the appointments were intended to address long‑standing concerns over career stagnation and uneven promotions. He criticised the practice of some officers remaining constables for decades while others advanced rapidly.
Existing assistant commissioners, including Benzel Samuel and ACP Ballantyne, will not be demoted but reassigned to new portfolios such as school security and broader law‑and‑order initiatives. Leacock said the restructuring would improve specialisation and efficiency, with further recruitment planned for units such as the Rapid Response Unit and the Special Services Unit.
Major Leacock said the reforms were designed to modernise the force, strengthen tactical and investigative units, and expand “soft power” policing through community engagement. Senior officers will be reassigned to schools to tackle youth violence and misbehaviour, while the Financial Intelligence Unit will receive greater support to combat white‑collar crime. He pledged “maximum respect” for the Police Welfare Association, which will play a larger role in motivating officers.