By KHRISNA VIRGIL

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau yesterday said no Benedictine monks serving in the Bahamas are under investigation over sexual abuse allegations.

Archbishop Patrick Pinder was responding to growing speculation over the departure of a monk from the Bahamas.

The Benedictines, the Archbishop said, have a long-standing and distinguished relationship with the Bahamas which has lasted for the past 120 years.

He said: "They have done a tremendous amount of good for the religion and social development of this community, particularly in education.

"It is most unfortunate that there are some members of their Order against whom allegations of sexual abuse have arisen. This casts aspersions on their colleagues, the vast majority of whom were men of excellent character and exemplary virtue.

"This is a sad development. Yet, I remain hopeful and prayerful that all the necessary healing and reconciliation can be achieved.

"To my knowledge, at present time, there is no one in ministry or in any service of this Archdiocese against whom any allegations of sexual abuse exists."

Archbishop Pinder said he would never tolerate any abusive, or sexual behaviour in the Archdiocese of the Bahamas.

"I am thoroughly committed to maintaining safe environments for children and vulnerable adults in our community. In support of this, we have launched, here in the Archdiocese, the Virtue Programme for the protection of God's children," Archbishop Pinder said.