Major Leacock Warns on Gun Licenses, Pledges Tighter Controls 

By Val Matthias. Updated 7:17 a.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Deputy Prime Minister Major St. Clair Leacock has signalled that the government will review firearm licensing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, warning against the proliferation of high‑powered weapons among civilians.  

Speaking on NBC Radio’s Face to Face program, Leacock said: “One of the things that strikes me as Minister of National Security is the amount of people who want to apply for a gun license. And when you have a gun, you’re always looking for a chance to use it.” 

He cautioned that the rise in applications reflects growing insecurity in society but stressed that the state must balance personal protection with public safety. “The more guns that are out there on the road, even well‑meaning, the greater the opportunities for more violence and missteps,” he said.  

Leacock revealed that some automatic weapons have been issued under civilian licenses, a practice he intends to challenge. “There are one or two weapons that I understand have been issued that I am forming my view should not be in the hands of civilians. Those should be the preserve of law and order forces,” he stated, adding that he will make recommendations to Cabinet and Prime Minister Godwin Friday.  

The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored the need for de‑escalation in communities, urging citizens to avoid confrontations that could spiral into violence. He linked the issue to broader crime concerns, noting that gangs must not be allowed to “own any square inch of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”  

In the beginning of the year, Leacock confirmed that the government intends to remove civilian ownership of M16 and M4 rifles, arguing that such weapons should remain restricted to security forces. Parliament passed the Firearms (Amendment) Act 2023, which introduced stricter penalties for illegal possession and use of firearms, reflecting a broader push to curb gun‑related crime. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has taken an “extremely serious” position on firearms. Deputy Commissioner Frankie Joseph stated in January 2025 that anyone who threatens another person with a gun will face drastic legal action, signallingzero tolerance for firearm misuse. 

Rising gun license applications are seen as a symptom of public insecurity and the growth of a “crime culture.” Leacock has argued that arming civilians’ risks escalating conflicts rather than resolving them.

Leacock’s comments come as the government prepares its 2026 Budget, with national security and crime prevention expected to be key areas of debate.  

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