Major Leacock Puts “Families” at Centre of SVG’s Crime Fight 

By Val Matthias. Updated 8:40 p.m., Monday, September 28, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

National Security Minister Major St Clair Leacock has called on families to take a stronger role in addressing crime and violence among young people, warning that the issue cannot be left solely to government and police.  

Speaking on New Times on September 28, Leacock stressed that the family remains the basic unit of society. *“If society appears to be falling apart, we must also look at what is happening within families,” he said.  

The minister noted that many parents struggle to communicate effectively with their children and questioned whether families, religious organisations and civil society have adopted a “hands‑off” approach to crime. He also highlighted what he described as a decline in community‑based organisations and youth activities.  

Leacock recalled a time when school fields were filled after classes with cadets, scouts, footballers and cricketers. Today, he said, many playing fields and parks stand empty outside of formal competitions.  

Calling for a collective response, Leacock urged families, communities, faith‑based organisations, schools, police and national security authorities to work together. He disclosed that faith‑based groups are expected to begin partnering with police to form a coalition against crime.  

While acknowledging that young people need freedom, Leacock said authorities must strike a balance between increased police presence and allowing youth to gather safely. He described crime as a multifaceted challenge tied to poverty, education and economic hardship, cautioning that there are no easy fixes.  

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