Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says his current security arrangements stem from a decision made by Cabinet during the early years of the Unity Labour Party’s administration. However, on Monday, Minister of National Security St. Clair Leacock confirmed that all security detail allocations — including those for former leaders — are now under review.
Leacock, who was addressing concerns related to the security detail of the Leader of the Opposition, said the existing system is being evaluated to ensure consistency and adherence to policy. He disclosed that the assigned officers for former prime ministers are expected to total no more than two.
“If six officers are currently assigned, that should be reduced to two,” Leacock said. “And if that is not the case at present, the Commissioner of Police will have to clarify why.”
Gonsalves, meanwhile, defended the arrangements, noting that they were established through a formal committee shortly after the ULP took office. He said the committee’s decisions were communicated to both major political parties.
“A committee was set up very early in our administration to address these matters,” Gonsalves said. “Three persons, along with the NDP leadership, were informed of what had been offered, what had been accepted, and what the situation is — in the case of Sir James, and also my brother Arnhim Eustace.”
Further updates are expected as the review process continues.
