As St. Vincent and the Grenadines prepares for its annual Carnival festivities, Minister of National Security St. Clair Leacock has issued a stern warning to potential troublemakers, promising robust law enforcement and strict judicial consequences.
Speaking during a recent address on NBC Radio, Minister Leacock emphasized his full support for the Commissioner of Police, the wider police force, and specifically the tactical units tasked with maintaining order. Ahead of the Vincy Mas celebrations, Leacock praised recent weekend police patrols and echoed a firm directive to the public: individuals must “leave their weapons at home” and absolutely “don’t come to the carnival festivities looking for trouble”.
The Minister stressed that authorities are taking a zero-tolerance approach to ensure public safety. He warned that those who choose to break the law could face immediate and prolonged consequences from the local judiciary. According to Leacock, judges and magistrates are prepared to deny bail and keep offenders detained “until after carnival” to clearly demonstrate that law enforcement officials “mean business”.
The overarching goal of these enhanced security measures is to facilitate an “incident-free carnival”. Leacock underscored that revelers should not have to be fearful of violence while “jumping in the band”. He also pledged his backing for the upcoming events at Victoria Park, noting the importance of ensuring that shows are successful and that nobody disrupts the stage.
Despite the stern warnings regarding law and order, the National Security Minister also shared his personal enthusiasm for the upcoming cultural celebrations, proudly declaring himself a “carnival lover”.