A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Commander Marlon Chapman has said that the Education Ministry is yet to send a file or a list of documents over to the Police with information regarding the allegations of sexual misconduct over at The Bishops’ High School.
This comes days after the Education Ministry claimed that it sent a file to the Police after it would have completed its investigations into the allegations.
On Friday when Guyana Times contacted the Commander for an update on the investigation, he said, “The only thing we got is a call from the Minister telling us to go ahead with the investigation…they have not sent any file or a list saying that this is the information we have.”
He, however, noted that the Police were in the process making contact with victims to receive their testimony, but they were yet to contact the implicated teacher, Coen Jackson, about the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Bishops’ High School Old Students Association (BHSOSA) has decided to offer mentoring and counselling for psychological trauma to students and teachers at the institution in light of the damning allegations of sexual misconduct at the school. The decision was taken at the BHSOSA’s extraordinary meeting on Tuesday last.
The Association, in a statement, revealed a number of recommendations it would be collaborating with the administration to implement. In addition to counselling, the body would also be collaborating with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA): to train teachers how to handle complaints of abuse, particularly sexual abuse; sensitise the male students of the school about sexual harassment, abuse, gender equality and ethics; and facilitate sensitisation sessions to equip students with the necessary information on abuse and the process of reporting any act of abuse or victimisation.
The BHSOSA is also working with the administration to implement an anonymous reporting system and for the adoption of a child protection policy within the school.
“BHSOSA unequivocally condemns any act of sexual misconduct and abuse against students in and out of The Bishops’ High. We recommend that the Ministry of Education immediately commissions an inquiry into the issue of sexual misconduct, abuse and subsequent reporting in the school and that policies and protocols are put in place to ensure that such behaviour is eliminated and students are encouraged to report such matters without fear of ridicule or repercussion,” the statement said.
“BHSOSA thanks the general public and interest groups for their concern with the safety and well-being of the students of The Bishops’ High School and requests their continued support as we seek justice for victims of abuse,” the statement concluded.
Jackson is accused of abusing his position of trust as a teacher when he began grooming female students for sexual activities after they would have attained the age of 16 – the legal age of consent. He has vehemently denied the accusations, but did admit to having sexual relations with two former students who are both in their early 20s.
