Shocked, disappointed by revelations of sexual abuse in BHS

Dear Editor, As former students, Bishops’ High holds a special place in our hearts. Many of us can look back at our high school journey fondly, with perhaps a dose of embarrassment, but nevertheless, good memories of classes, school parties, trips, friends, and memorable teachers who all made a lasting positive impact.

Unfortunately, for others, those positive memories are marred when persons in authority misuse their position of trust to abuse, harass and shame students. The recent disclosures of grooming, harassment, and sexual abuse made in various media outlets, were met with shock and massive disappointment in the actions taken (and not taken) by the administration of our former school. It is for this reason, we the undersigned, have joined together to demand an immediate end to the culture of abuse; and to further demonstrate our unwavering support for those who have bravely stepped forward to tell their stories.

To any survivor reading this letter, please know that you have our support. We recognise that this cannot be easy and we applaud your bravery in stepping forward when many may try to hold you back. We commit to doing our part in not letting this slip into the shadows of silence, which the abuse has hidden in and fed on for so many years. We are sorry that BHS did not do enough to protect you. We are sorry that the reputation of an abuser was given priority over your safety and welfare. We are sorry that it took so long for someone to really listen to what you were saying. Please know that we are listening now and we are cheering you on as you heal and regain your power.

We are calling for the immediate suspension of the alleged main perpetrator of these crimes. Mr Coen Jackson has been accused of engaging, in his 10 years at BHS, in a patterned and systematic cycle whereby he preyed on vulnerable young girls. He allegedly used his position as a teacher with a measure of control in the academic fates of his students, in order to coerce students into sexual activity. Even more reprehensible is the fact that the abuse was allowed to continue thanks to the silence, deafness and blind eyes of the school’s leadership.

With this in mind, we call for the immediate resignation of the headteacher Ms Ellis whose recent public tirade against the girls under her care, was not only unprofessional and inappropriate, but re-victimized every woman and girl affected by abuse. There are no words to describe how saddened and dismayed many of us felt to hear her blame children for the actions of an adult predator. She has failed in her duty to create a safe learning environment for the students under her care.

We support a complete and thorough investigation by the Ministry of Education, the Guyana Police Force, and the Childcare and Protection Agency. According to the Sexual Offences Act (2010), Section 20. (i): In proceedings relating to an offence under this Act, a person commits the offence of obstructing the prosecution if that person prevents a child from - (a) giving a statement to the police; giving evidence in any other way which would be admissible for the paper committal; or (b) (i) (ii) Obstructing prosecution. (2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of one million dollars and to imprisonment for five years.

Any school administrator and teacher who may be found to be complicit by not taking action against the abuse and further victimising students, must be removed, and held accountable.

To the Board and administration of BHS, we can no longer say “Bishops” with the pride we once did until measures are put in place to foster the healing of victims, and to ensure that all forms of abuse and harassment of students never happens again. Step up and do what’s right! Schools are meant to be safe spaces, to groom boys and girls for success, not for exploitation!

Finally, we call on the wider Guyanese society to thoroughly examine the cultural norms that allow the abuse of women and children to remain a pervasive and silent crime. We encourage everyone to support victims of gender-based violence, and to hold perpetrators of violence accountable for their crimes.