The Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Hon. Tinée Furbert, JP, MP, delivered remarks at the Child Safeguarding Workshop on Thursday, March 6^th, 2025, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to the protection and well-being of Bermuda’s young people.

Addressing a room of dedicated professionals and community stakeholders, Minister Furbert emphasized that safeguarding children is not just a policy requirement but a moral and national responsibility. “Our young people are our most vulnerable and most valuable community members. They deserve more than just our love, they deserve our absolute commitment to their safety and well-being,” said Minister Furbert.

The workshop, hosted by the Office of Youth Affairs (TOYA), marks the second major safeguarding session since October, underscoring the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection measures across Bermuda.

Minister Furbert highlighted key milestones in Bermuda’s child safeguarding journey, including establishing the National Child Safeguarding Committee in 2019 under section 11A of the Children Act 1998. She also reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to implementing the National Policy—“Working Together to Safeguard Children”, which was launched in 2023 to enhance Bermuda’s Community Protection Framework.

“We need organizations that don’t just have policies on paper, but live and breathe a culture of safety. This means rigorous vetting, comprehensive training, and environments where young people feel safe to speak up, to be heard, and to be protected,” Minister Furbert stated. The Minister also reiterated that child safeguarding is a key requirement for organizations receiving Government grant funding, ensuring that all entities entrusted with Bermuda’s youth uphold the highest safety standards.

“Our National Youth Policy is clear—keeping young people safe isn’t optional. It’s our fundamental responsibility,” she added. The Government encourages all organizations working with children and youth to adopt and regularly review their safeguarding policies, ensuring best practices are upheld.

For more information on Bermuda’s National Child Safeguarding Policy and upcoming training opportunities, please email the Office of Youth Affairs at toyaevents.bm