Opposition Senator raises alarm over gun violence surge in St Vincent

Senator Carlos James warns that rising gun crime in SVG poses a threat to all citizens. A woman caught in crossfire near Grenadines Wharf highlighted the danger.

Gun violence in SVG a threat to all citizens, senator warns

Opposition Senator Carlos James has called for a national response to the growing frequency of gun-related incidents and homicides in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Searchlight SVG reports.

James made the remarks on Star Radio on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during a discussion with fellow Opposition Senator Keisal Peters.

"What is taking place is of serious concern to all of us as citizens. These high incidents and very frequent incidents of gun related activity and homicides — it touches and concerns all of us. Our safety is at stake," James said.

He pointed to a recent shooting involving a young woman who was caught in crossfire while travelling from the area of the Grenadines Wharf as evidence that the violence is no longer confined to those engaged in criminal activity.

James said the incident underscored a shift in the nature of the threat: bystanders with no criminal ties are now at risk of becoming victims. He described the pattern of gun crime as "brazen" and argued that the scale of the problem demands a response that goes beyond individual law enforcement action.

Source: Searchlight SVG