Empowering Safety Officers: Adventist Church in the Caribbean Union Enhances Safety Measures
On Thursday, June 22, 2023, leaders from the Adventist Church in the Caribbean Union Conference congregated virtually for a crucial safety officers meeting. The training session, which was facilitated by Rocio Roberts...
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The workshop was facilitated by Rocio Roberts, Adventist Risk Management Account Executive for the Inter-American Division. Mr. Kerwin Felix Safety officer for the church in the Caribbean Union Conference; Debra Felix, H. R. Director at Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Deborah Williams Adams, Accountant for CURF department participated in the safety officers meeting.
On Thursday, June 22, 2023, leaders from the Adventist Church in the Caribbean Union Conference congregated virtually for a crucial safety officers meeting. The training session, which was facilitated by Rocio Roberts, Adventist Risk Management Account Executive for the Inter-American Division, ADRA Territories, and Columbia Union, comes at a time when the Caribbean region faces the threat of an active 2023 hurricane season.
“We want to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to minimize or eliminate risks and enhance safety in churches and activities sponsored by the church,” said Rocio Roberts in her opening statements. “By focusing on the role of church safety officers, we are taking proactive measures to prevent major accidents and protect the well-being of the church, its ministries, mission and institution.”
The Caribbean region is no stranger to the threats posed by natural disasters, particularly hurricanes. In 2017, Hurricanes Maria and Irma devastated several islands in the Caribbean Union Conference, leaving church buildings, homes, communities and institutions in shambles. Rebuilding efforts are still ongoing in some of the islands.
The training session was facilitated by Rocio Roberts, Adventist Risk Management Account Executive for the Inter-American Division, ADRA Territories, and Columbia Union. Image by CARU media
Recognizing the vulnerability of the territory, the Church in the Caribbean Union is placing significant importance on safeguarding life and property. “We must heighten the awareness,” said Dr. Kern Tobias, President of the Caribbean Union Conference to those attending. “It is very important for this time. We must minimize, eliminate and enhance all our safety measures across the region.”
The safety officers training served as a vital platform to address various risks that can challenge the ministry of the church. They include natural disasters, physical injuries, financial loss, criminal actions, and damage to personal reputation.
The CARU Leaders were made aware that risks within the ministry encompass a wide range of potential hazards and if not adequately addressed, can have severe consequences.
“By taking a proactive approach, we can ensure that the well-being of institutions is protected and we are providing an environment conducive to worship, growth, and service, " said Roberts. “We thus provide timely, real-world insurance products and innovative risk management solutions for minimizing risk within Adventist ministries at all levels. We recommend best practices to eliminate oversights that can lead to costly accidents.”
The Philadelphia Seventh day Adventist Church on St. Thomas was destroyed during the 2017 hurricane season. A new modern church is nearing completion. File image from NCC Media
Given the geographical location of the Caribbean Union, the threat of natural disasters is ever-present. The Adventist Risk Management trainer stressed the importance of preparedness and provided safety officers with valuable information and strategies to minimize the impact of hurricanes and other calamities. “By implementing a disaster management structure and plan, churches can significantly reduce the potential for harm and provide essential support to their communities in times of crisis.” She explained.
Leaders were further equipped with knowledge on creating safe environments, identifying potential hazards, and implementing preventive measures. They were also reminded that addressing Issues such as slippery floors, inadequate signage, and faulty equipment, can create a secure atmosphere for worshipers, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Roberts emphasized the implementation of structural internal controls, financial transparency, and accountability measures. According to the training officer, “By adopting these practices, we can safeguard the church's assets and ensure the responsible stewardship of resources entrusted to them. This structure places the union as the responsible entity followed by the local field and the local church. We all have a part to play.”
Fire drills are one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of your congregation. Good emergency preparedness includes regular practice of evacuation measures to ensure your congregation knows what is expected during a real fire. File image from Adventist Risk Management
Additionally, the leaders were guided on implementing strategies to mitigate the risk of misconduct, improper behavior, and other actions that could tarnish the church's image. “By maintaining high ethical standards and promoting a culture of accountability, we are preserving the integrity and reputation of the Adventist Church,” she concluded.
Mr. Kerwin Felix Safety officer for the church in the Caribbean Union Conference emphasized the need for leaders to embrace the online safety officer’s certification program detailed by the church to educate and enhance the quality of their ministry. “Through ongoing training and collaboration, the church in the Caribbean Union is committed to upholding its mission while prioritizing the safety and security of its members” he expressed.