From left to right: Mrs. Julie Ritchie-Bingham (OSE Chair), Mrs. Tricia Syms (Co-ordinator for The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) VIRTUS Program ) Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder, Archbishop of Nassau, Mrs. Eulie Elliott (OSE Co-Chair).
Back row: Mrs. Paula Jones and Deacon Peter Jones (OSE Spiritual and Family Representatives), Deacon Keith Roberts (Director of Risk Management ) and Mr. Joseph Curry (OSE Committee Advisor/Chair of Risk Managment )
 

Beloved in Christ,
Re:  Office of Safe Environments (OSE) and VIRTUS Programme

I am pleased to announce the establishment of an Office of Safe Environments (OSE) and the relaunch of the VIRTUS Programme in the Archdiocese of Nassau. I have appointed Mrs. Julie Ritchie-Bingham (Director of Youth Office) and Mrs. Eulie Elliott (Director of Office Family Life), as Chair and Co-Chair, respectively, to oversee the work of this Office as well as the VIRTUS Programme.

Protecting God’s Children and vulnerable adults in our Parishes and schools is of greatest importance to all of us.

The Office (OSE) and the VIRTUS Programme are intended to heighten the awareness of the need to protect our youth and provide safe environments for them to learn, to grow and to worship. Vulnerable adults, as well, must also have the benefits of safe environments.
 
It is our responsibility to look after one another.  The Archdiocese has taken the initiative to be proactive and put in place an Office dedicated to this pursuit and a programme that focuses primarily on our youth and vulnerable adults.

Our Parishes, schools and all Archdiocesan institutions will participate in the VIRTUS Programme.  We have assembled a group of dedicated and experienced volunteers, who have been trained to assist in this regard.

The Protecting God’s Children Programme is designed to educate clergy, religious, educators, employees and volunteers on how to establish and maintain a safe environment for minors. I wish to thank everyone involved for their commitment, participation and support.

The official launch of the Office (OSE) was on January 1st, 2023.  As the Office engages in this important work, more information will be made available from my Office and from the Office of Safe Environments itself.  I invite each member of the faithful to play their part in this important work.
 
Devotedly yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG, KC*HS
Archbishop of Nassau
10 November, 2022
 

The Office of Safe Environments pledges to ensure every young person and vulnerable adult feels safe in their parish and school communities surrounded by an atmosphere of trust, respect, and charity.
 

4. KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT SAFE
Screening of volunteers who work with youth and vulnerable adults.
Establishing and maintaining digital record-keeping requirements.
Acceptance of personal responsibility to provide a safe environment for activities.

5. ARCHDIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD
To ensure a fair and transparent process and a Body to address concerns in our parishes and schools related to youth and vulnerable adults.
To respond with priority and compassion.
Our primary concern is to ensure healing, reconciliation, and the spiritual well-being of persons who have been victims in our society.
  

We dedicate the work of this program to the protection of St. Maria Goretti, our patron Saint;  patroness of purity, young women, and victims of assault. 
Pray for Us !
 

"Yes, I too, for the love of Jesus, forgive
him.. and I want him
to be with me in Paradise.
May God forgive him, because I have already forgive him."

Office of Safe Environments
Mrs. Julie Ritchie-Bingham (Chairperson)
Mrs. Eulie Elliott (Co-Chairperson)
Phone: (242) 322-8919 or 322-7711
Email: [email protected]