St. Vincent launches 90-day crime plan after murder-free October
PM Godwin Friday announces a 90-day anti-crime initiative starting December 7, targeting illegal firearms and gangs. October recorded no murders, but 42 killings were reported so far in 2026.
PM Friday: murder-free October no cause for complacency
St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded no murders in October — but Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has warned the milestone should not be treated as grounds for celebration, caribbeannationalweekly.com reports.
Speaking at the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force's 43rd Passing Out Parade, Friday announced a new 90-day crime-reduction plan set to begin on December 7. The initiative will target illegal firearms, criminal gangs, border security, intelligence sharing and police visibility in communities.
"We cannot accept a situation in which our people are afraid to walk the streets," Friday said, adding that residents must feel safe conducting business, moving freely and allowing their children to use public spaces.
He acknowledged that too many families had lost loved ones to violence and that communities across the country continue to feel the effects of crime. Authorities have recorded 42 murders so far in 2026, up from 40 in the previous year.
Task force and new police capabilities
Friday had already signalled a tougher approach during his inaugural address last month, delivered to mark the country's 47th anniversary of independence from Britain. On that occasion, he announced the establishment of a national crime-reduction task force designed to strengthen 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.
The 90-day plan will focus particularly on "illegal firearms, criminal gangs, our borders, intelligence sharing, and police visibility in our communities," Friday said, while also prioritising the protection of vulnerable young people.
He further highlighted the recent establishment of a police drone unit and ongoing anti-crime operations as evidence of the government's commitment to building stronger law enforcement capacity.
Accountability alongside enforcement
Friday was equally direct on the question of police conduct. Addressing 109 recruits who had completed six months of training, he urged them to exercise 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," he told the new officers.
He warned that wearing a police uniform must never become "an excuse for arrogance and abuse," and stressed that public trust in law enforcement had to be earned continuously.
"The public must be able to trust the men and women who are sworn to protect us. That trust must be earned every day," Friday said.
He reminded the recruits that completing their initial training represented only the start of a career 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.
Friday told the new officers that by joining the force they had accepted "a higher responsibility" — and that in moments of fear, anger, confusion or danger, the public would depend on them to show "sound judgement, unrelenting courage, fairness, and a willingness to go beyond the norm."
The prime minister concluded by stressing that reducing violent crime would require sustained effort from law enforcement, government agencies and communities alike, rather than any reliance on short-term improvements in monthly statistics.
Source: Google News VC — Crime