NDP Exposes Previous Government’s Record on Crime
The New Democratic Party (NDP) has strongly criticized the previous administration for its failure to tackle crime, which has contributed to the recent wave of criminal activities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Referring to the recent acts of violence that have affected several families and other disturbing incidents that have occurred in recent times, Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Major St. Clair Leacock, said: “There is no doubt, these recent events have exposed the failure of the previous administration to implement measures to protect Vincentians from crime. So too, are their failures to help young Vincentians to find jobs and stay away from a life of crime.”
The NDP attributes the surge in criminal activities to the previous government’s failure to provide young Vincentians with the necessary skills and opportunities needed. These challenges were not created overnight. They are the result of years of economic stagnation, weak job creation, and a lack of action on crime by the former administration.
When the new government took office, it inherited an economy in deep distress. Wages were among the lowest in the Caribbean. Unemployment was unacceptably high, and the cost-of-living crisis was already placing a heavy burden on households across the country.
Despite inheriting these challenging conditions, the government has acted swiftly to improve security and to fight crime. It has introduced a new approach to combatting crime which includes providing our police with more tools and better training to manage crime and law enforcement efforts.
Within its first months in office, the government has also acted to tackle cost-of-living with the implementation of a VAT-Free Shopping Day during the Christmas season to assist households with essential purchases, provided bonus payments to approximately 12,000 Vincentians, and increased public assistance payments to $500.00 per month to support vulnerable citizens. This government remains focused on tackling crime and addressing the cost-of-living challenges affecting Vincentians.
The decisive mandate delivered by the people to the NDP in the 2025 General Elections reflected a clear demand for change and responsible leadership. The NDP government remains committed to honouring that mandate by implementing policies that will make St Vincent and the Grenadines safer, strengthen the economy, expand opportunities for young people, and provide meaningful support for families.
While rebuilding the country after years of mismanagement will take time, the government will continue working to create a stronger, more secure, and more prosperous future for all citizens.