National Security

Bailey to act as Police Commissioner as Williams begins leave

Trevor Bailey takes the RSVGPF’s top job in an acting capacity, Junior Simmons steps up as acting Deputy, and 59 officers are promoted across the Force.

By Vincypowa News Staff  |  17 August 2026  |  Kingstown

Leadership and administrative changes at the top of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) took effect on Monday, 17 August 2026, as substantive Commissioner of Police Enville Williams proceeded on leave.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Force said Mr Trevor Bailey had been appointed to act as Commissioner of Police, with Mr Junior Simmons appointed to act as Deputy Commissioner. Mr Brenton Smith is acting in the capacity of Assistant Commissioner of Police. All three appointments are effective from 17 August.

The RSVGPF said Mr Williams had commenced seven months’ leave. Earlier reports from local outlets had put the period at 150 days, or about five months. VPN has gone with the figure stated in the Force’s own release and will update if an official clarification is issued.

The Force described the appointments as part of arrangements to ensure continuity in the leadership, administration and operations of the RSVGPF during the period of Mr Williams’s absence. It added that further administrative arrangements are expected across the organisation and would be communicated at the appropriate time.

The wider picture

Today’s changes follow a period of sustained public discussion about crime and policing in St Vincent and the Grenadines. When the New Democratic Party administration led by Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday took office in late 2025, it opted to retain Mr Williams in the post. At the time, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security St Clair Leacock said the Commissioner’s performance was consistent with the government’s policy direction. Mr Leacock had also signalled earlier in 2026 that a broader reorganisation of the police high command was coming as senior officers proceeded on leave.

VPN notes that some public commentators had called for a change in the police leadership in recent months. The Force’s Monday statement did not link the arrangements to that commentary, and framed the appointments strictly as measures to maintain continuity.

Promotions across the Force

The RSVGPF also confirmed a set of promotions across its branches and services, approved with effect from 22 June 2026. The promotions cover personnel in General Administration, the Fire Department, the SVG Auxiliary Police and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service.

The Force congratulated the promoted personnel and urged them to approach their new responsibilities with professionalism and discipline. It said it remained focused on maintaining effective leadership and operational continuity while continuing to deliver policing and public-safety services throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This is a developing story. Vincypowa News will report any further leadership or administrative arrangements confirmed by the RSVGPF.