Leacock ready to take up post as Minister of National Security

Under a New Democratic Party (NDP) administration Member of Parliament for Central Kingstown, St. Clair ‘Major’ Leacock will be the man responsible for the country’s fight against crime.

He revealed this during his address at the NDP Hope Rally to a crowd of party supporters and members over the weekend.

Leacock hinted that the position of Minister of National Security would be his to man based on information coming from the party Leader, Dr. Godwin Friday.

“… Under the rubric of security that hope is brought to you I say to you, I say confidently too- because he has whispered in my ear- when the New Democratic Party becomes the next government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, it will be his honour to have yours truly as the Minister of National Security in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Leacock zeroed in on the country’s homicide rate so far for 2023, noting that 17 homicides was well past the point of being concerning. Within the last two weeks, the nation has seen two men gunned down bringing scrutiny to the police crime strategy.

“I will make a solemn promise; we will protect you. We will defend you. We will take full responsibility for your safety and your security. We do not have to present to you a case and or an argument that there is a small two by four country like ours 17 murders, 17 homicides within the space of three or four months, 17 homicides [is] too much,” Leacock said from the stage in Georgetown on May, 13.

The issue of crime and violence has been a major talking point within the New Democratic Party (NDP) since the country set a record number of 42 homicides in 2022.

Leacock posited that the current administration has no clear plan to deal with the murders occurring in the country, as well as other issues. Rattling off his military qualifications to the crowd, the party’s Vice President said he is the right man for the job.

“Because this New Democratic Party has a serious skill set, and I happen to be one of them. And I’ll share this with you tonight as I leave the platform: trained by the Barbados Regiment, trained by the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, trained by the Guyana Defence Force, trained by the Jamaica Defence Force, a diploma from Venezuela, and a qualified army officer of the fourth battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, that is yours truly – fully prepared. The past commander of the Cadet Force, the past commander of the Auxillary Police Force. You are in safe hands indeed you are in the best hands.”