By The New Democratic Party
The New Democratic Party (NDP) government is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both students and teachers. The government will implement measures and policies that protect the well-being of everyone within the educational system.
Recognizing the importance of safety in schools, Minister of National Security, Honourable Major St. Clair Leacock, announced that senior police officers would be assigned to educational institutions to develop a comprehensive school security plan.
This initiative aims to enhance safety and ensure a secure environment for students and teachers across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The following is an excerpt from the minister’s presentation:
“ACP Samuel and ACP Ballentine are not being demoted, and let me address that area of controversy directly. They are going to be reassigned duties which, in our view, are very important. That is school security. School security is a matter of concern for us at the moment.
A number of schools — some have proper perimeter fences, some do not. Some have an allocation of two auxiliary police officers for an entire school population of 400, 300, or 200 students, and the auxiliaries are generally overwhelmed.
In some cases, the authority of their presence is not as respected as that of the regular police force. So, the Assistant Commissioners of Police are going to strengthen the quality of security in schools overall, not only in relation to behaviour. Generally speaking, they will oversee the management of law and order around school compounds.
I already know this is attracting criticism from some people who feel there should be no police presence in schools. I do not know how far I will go with that debate or conversation. However, people have a right to exercise democratic views on matters of national importance.
That is not the view we share. We have approached this issue based on evidence, consultations, symposiums, and workshops.
The police high command has gone into schools and met one-on-one with principals, school bodies, and Parent-Teacher Associations, and they have made their own assessments. Principals have also repeatedly requested police intervention.
Therefore, we will now have these Assistant Commissioners of Police helping to rein in some of the issues currently affecting schools.
I do not think anyone in St. Vincent can ignore the fact that, over the last several weeks, we have seen behaviour on the streets, in public places, and within business institutions that is unacceptable to parents, grandparents, and people of serious standing in society.”
ULP Politicized the Police Force
The Unity Labour Party (ULP) government politicized the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.
The Leader of the Opposition should be ashamed to criticize the recent promotions of police officers, particularly in the case of Brenton Smith. Mr. Smith holds a Master’s Degree in Police Management, a qualification that demonstrates his dedication and professionalism.
Despite his credentials and commitment, he was repeatedly overlooked for promotion simply because he was perceived to be a supporter of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Additionally, Smith was subjected to frequent transfers between stations — a clear attempt to undermine his career and silence his voice.
Vincentians may also recall a journalist who, upon entering the police force, was rapidly promoted to the rank of inspector. This decision sparked considerable tension among other officers, who questioned the fairness and transparency of the promotion process.
Many believed that such a swift rise was unwarranted and undermined the principles of merit and equal opportunity within the force.
For Gonsalves to now attempt to create mischief and division among police officers is nothing short of hypocritical. The Leader of the Opposition has failed to recognize that it is the police officers themselves who have been advocating for Brenton Smith’s fair treatment and recognition.
Moreover, the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have also voiced their support for Brenton Smith, emphasizing his qualifications and the importance of meritocracy.
We also wonder whether the Leader of the Opposition recalls that a former Commissioner of Police was seen dressed in red and openly displaying support for the ruling ULP at election rallies.
This incident raised serious questions about impartiality and the professionalism expected of someone in such a high-ranking position.
The Opposition Leader must also clarify whether he was aware that recruits were called on the eve of the general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to begin training as police officers.
If he was aware, did he recognize the serious concerns raised about the timing and purpose of these recruitments?
Furthermore, Gonsalves continues to sow seeds of discord by attacking the government’s decision to assign senior police officers to develop a security plan for educational institutions.
Did he forget that officers such as Esworth Hackshaw and Artis Davis were previously assigned to the Ministry of Education to address school security? If those officers were tasked with handling such matters, then there is no logical basis to criticize the move now.
It is nothing short of embarrassing and disgraceful to witness a former Prime Minister and Minister of National Security conduct himself with such bitterness after the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines decisively voted him out of office.
Instead of respecting the democratic will of the people, he continues to sow division and display a lack of dignity and love for Vincentians. His actions are a disgrace to the office he once held and a disservice to the nation he claims to serve.
It is time for him to accept the verdict of the people and demonstrate the maturity and respect that true leadership requires.
The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of ANN. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].