St. Clair Leacock announces major shake-up in police high command 

By Val Matthias. Updated 11:28 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security St. Clair Leacock has announced a series of senior leadership changes within the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and modernise the force.

Speaking on NBC Radio’s Face to Face programme, Mr Leacock said several senior officers are proceeding on leave or transitioning out of key positions, creating room for promotions and reassignments across the high command.

Among the changes, Deputy Commissioner Frankie Joseph is expected to proceed on leave in the coming weeks. Mr Leacock said senior officer Trevor “Buju” Bailey will act as deputy commissioner in his place.

Superintendent Dwayne Bailey will be elevated to Deputy Commissioner.

Mr Leacock described the appointment as a strengthening of the force’s operational capacity, saying the officer had “earned” the position.

The minister noted that the development would mark an unusual moment in the force’s history, with two senior officers from the same household serving at deputy commissioner level.

Further promotions are also planned within the upper ranks of the police force.

Mr Leacock announced that Inspector Brenton Smith is set to receive a major promotion to assistant commissioner of police, bypassing several intermediate ranks.

According to the minister, Mr Smith will oversee human resource development, including police welfare, recruitment, manpower planning, training and performance appraisals.

Mr Leacock said the appointment was intended to address long-standing concerns over uneven promotions and career stagnation within the force.

He criticised situations in which some officers remained constables for more than two decades without advancement, while others rose rapidly through the ranks.

Another senior officer, identified as Superintendent Simmons, is also expected to be promoted to assistant commissioner of police.

Mr Leacock added that additional promotions may follow once administrative leave periods for other senior officers formally conclude.

The minister said that existing assistant commissioners, including Benzel Samuel and ACP Ballantyne, were not being demoted but instead reassigned to other responsibilities, including school security and wider law-and-order management initiatives.

He said the changes form part of broader efforts to improve specialisation and efficiency within the police force, while strengthening units such as the Rapid Response Unit and the Special Services Unit through further recruitment and restructuring.

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