St. Vincent police chief urges calm as election campaign intensifies

Police Commissioner Enville Williams is calling for restraint and unity as St. Vincent and the Grenadines heads into a heated election season, warning that political expression must never cross the line into intimidation or violence.

“At the same time, political expression is a right guaranteed to all; it must never be used as a weapon to harm or intimidate others,” Williams said in a statement, noting that general elections are likely to take place in November ahead of the February 2026 constitutional deadline.

“No election, no political contest, and no difference in opinion should ever lead us to raise a hand, a stone, or a voice in anger against our fellow Vincentian,” he added.

The ruling Unity Labor Party (ULP) led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is pursuing a historic sixth consecutive term in office. The main opposition, the New Democratic Party (NDP), headed by Dr. Goodwin Friday, is hoping to break the ULP’s two-decade stronghold on power.

Williams said the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is aware of concerns from the public about rising tensions during the campaign. He did not cite specific instances of political violence but assured that officers will “continue to monitor all reports of disorderly or disruptive behavior with diligence and fairness, ensuring that peace and public safety are maintained at every level.

“We remain committed to addressing any issues that arise with the utmost professionalism and impartiality,” he said.

The commissioner appealed to political supporters to respect one another despite differences. “Remember that the colors you wear, the symbols you wave, and the slogans you chant are all expressions of democratic choice. They should not divide us but demonstrate the strength of our democracy.”

Williams warned against a return to the “dark moments of our past, when political violence scarred our communities.

“Those days taught us valuable lessons. Lessons about the fragility of peace and the responsibility each of us carries to preserve it,” he said.

Reaffirming the neutrality of the police, Williams stated, “Our allegiance is to the Constitution and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We will not allow partisan politics to influence our actions, our professionalism, or our integrity. Our duty is to safeguard all, regardless of political affiliation, creed, or class.”

He encouraged Vincentians to “let love, not anger, guide your steps.

“Be your brother’s keeper. Let your words uplift, not inflame. Let us walk together through this election season with discipline, tolerance, and pride in our Vincentian identity,” he said.

Williams emphasized that peacekeeping is a shared responsibility. “But the preservation of peace is not the job of the police alone; it is the collective duty of every citizen. Together, let us prove once again that we are one people, under one flag, guided by the spirit of love and unity.”