By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe underscored the importance of faith, training, and community engagement as he addressed participants in a conflict resolution training session aimed at clergy members yesterday.

The training, held at First Baptist Church, covered a wide range of topics including crisis management, conflict resolution, and intervention techniques.

Referencing biblical principles, Mr Munroe emphasised that many of the social challenges in The Bahamas today — including personal conflicts that can lead to homicides and suicides — stem from unresolved disputes.

“We see threats of death, and we’ve even seen suicide and attempted suicide based on a failure to resolve disputes and for there to be peace,” the minister told attendees.

Mr Munroe commended clergy members for taking part in the initiative, noting that learning conflict resolution strategies enhances their role in the community.

He also encouraged participants to fully embrace the training provided.

Among the participants in the training is Pastor Matheo Smith, who is facing a criminal case. 

He is currently facing an active indecent assault charge involving a minor at a local high school, stemming from an incident in October 2023. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, with his next court date set for April 4, 2025. He was granted $5,000 bail.

The Tribune has been informed that Mr Smith attended the event but is not an organiser. 

Speaking to reporters at the event, Mr Smith said: “This training, as we can see, the community is requiring more involvement. This training for pastors, especially giving pastors the first-hand experience in dealing with psychological issues.”

He praised the expertise of the instructors, saying the sessions offered valuable knowledge. 

Tribune sources said that participants had not been vetted.