National security minister takes tough stance on students arrested for firearms, burglary and assault 

By Val Matthias. Updated 8:15 p.m., Monday, September 21, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Major St Clair Leacock says students arrested for firearms, burglary and assault should have been prosecuted immediately, rather than being allowed to complete their examinations first.

Speaking at St Vincent Grammar School’s 118th Anniversary Church Service on September 21, Leacock disclosed that six or seven students had recently been arrested for serious offences, including firearms, burglaries and assaults.

“They were allowed to write their exams. Then they were prosecuted, considered themselves lucky. They should have been prosecuted summarily for breaking the law,” he said.

Leacock warned that criminal behaviour and bullying would not be tolerated, stressing that students involved in street fights could be identified by police and disciplined by their schools.

“If you are a school student, behave like a school student. The police will be advised to deal firmly and swiftly with you,” he declared, adding that he was “not second‑guessing that.”

The National Security Minister said parents and grandparents had invested heavily in young people, and the country expected them to live up to that responsibility. He urged St Vincent Grammar School and other institutions to take a leading role in setting standards for student conduct.

Leacock described his position as an “unapologetic statement.”

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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]