Trevor “Buju” Bailey will take over as acting Commissioner of Police on Monday as Police Commissioner Enville Williams begins an extended period of leave.
Junior Simmons will serve as acting Deputy Commissioner, according to information reported by Cliplet News. The temporary changes are due to take effect on August 17.
Williams is expected to be away for about 150 days. His absence comes as the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force faces continuing pressure over violent crime.
The force has recorded 31 homicides so far this year, according to figures cited in the report. If killings continue at the current pace, the total would pass the 40 recorded in 2025.
Bailey has held senior command responsibilities within the force and was serving as Deputy Commissioner earlier this year. Simmons, a superintendent, has also been identified for promotion within the senior command structure.
The changes follow the decision of Deputy Commissioner Frankie Joseph to proceed on pre-retirement leave.
Brenton Smith has also been appointed to act as an Assistant Commissioner of Police. Smith returned to the force after previously leaving under the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and had served as general secretary of the New Democratic Party while outside the constabulary.
The latest appointments represent a temporary reshaping of the police force’s senior command, with Bailey and Simmons expected to assume their acting positions from Monday. August 17.
