The founding of Bishop’s College in 1964 was a defining moment in the history of Carriacou. For the first time Carriacouan students had access to secondary education on the island. Previously, only privileged students were able to continue their education beyond Primary school by studying at colleges in Grenada.
Bishop’s College was inspired by the Rev. L.A.Todd and was supported by the founders Francis Dickson, Dr Laurel Stanislaus, Percy Cox, Gerald Marcelle, John Scott and John Cox. The first intake consisted of 167 students and the first Principal was the Rev. Whappler. The teaching staff included local Carriacouans such as Lorna Cayenne, Franklyn (Paddy) Roberts, Eleuthan (Uthan) Noel and Rodge Gay.
Bernard Bullen replaced the Rev. Whappler. In September 1966 Mr E.S.(Goot) Alleyne arrived from Barbados with wife, Marion and children George (Jeff) and Glenroy (Rufi) to fulfil a three year contract as Principal. ‘Goot’ had degrees in Law and History and he brought a new rigour to the College as well as an inspired vision for the College in the way of educational excellence. During his time as Principal, Bishop’s College established itself as an institution of considerable repute as students began to sit and pass GCE’s.
Bishop’s College Building
The original building occupied the converted Anglican Church Hall in the middle of town. Extra classrooms existed on the other side of the road in a converted Nutmeg Store. The main building had 1st and 2nd year intake groups downstairs. Classes 4A and 5B were upstairs. 5A were housed on the upper floor of the Nutmeg store along with a small Science laboratory built by the staff. The Staffroom and Principal’s office were housed on a raised section at the far end of 5B classroom.
College Year 1967-68
I arrived to join the staff of Bishop’s College at the beginning of September 1967. I joined the teaching staff of an established institution with a growing reputation for academic excellence. Principal, Mr E.S. (Goot) Alleyne led a talented team of teachers which included Franklyn (Paddy) Roberts, Eleuthan (Uthan) Noel, Rodge Gay, Vincent (Yankee) Bullen and George and Cathy Touchton from USA. I myself came on a contract with Voluntary Service Overseas and replaced Tony Cook who taught in the College the previous year.
The most important people in the College were, of course, the students. I taught Forms 4, 5A and 5B. It occurred to me you might like to know (or be reminded of) the names of students in each class. (Any ex-students reading this may like to know I still have most of your grades if you would like them!!!!!!)
Leonard Alexander, Anne Alexis, Claudia Augustine, Selwyn Babtiste, Barnabus (Barney) Bethel, Maurice Blaize, Paul Boatswain, Vestine Cayenne, Wayne Davidson, Solomon Fleary, Verna Fleary, Clemencia George, Albertus James, Joseph James, David John, Judith John, Veronica John, Josephine Joseph, Stephanie Joseph, Terry Joseph, Regina King, John Lambert, Johnny McKenzie, Jane McLawrence, Coswin McLeod, Hyacinth McQuilkin, Keith McQuilkin, Ann Prime, Merrill Prime, Minora Raymond, Anthony Stiell, Keith Stiell, Kenneth Stiell, Marjorie Thomas.
Everest Alexander, Valerie Alexander, Dennis Alexis, Jacinthia Alexis, Astor Andrew, Ezra Andrew, Alfred Babtiste, Sylvia Bartholomew, Bernadine Bascombe, Patsy Bedeau, Albert Benjamin, Agnes Brown, Margaret Brown, Edith Charles, Deborah Cox, Sybil David, John Douglas, Mavis Emmons, Martin Fleary, Viola Fleary, Esther Guadaloupe, Cornelius Jaffier, Davis Joseph, Magdalene Joseph, Mary Joseph, Sarah McFarlane, Sarahnie McFarlane, Solomon McKenzie, Josiah McLeod, Patricia Levine, Louise Pierre, Esther Prime, Clarissa Scott, Henry Stiell, Minita Williams.
Manson Adams, Palmira Augustine, Lionel Babtiste, Letitia Bartholamew, Tyrone Bethel, Joseph Browne, Annette Cayenne, Evra Cummings, Eileen David, Bernice Davidson, Joseph Faure, Rosalyn Fleary, Nell Gabriel, Monica Guadaloupe, Nicholas Jacob, Vena James, David Joseph, Maria Joseph, Laurel Martineau, Selwyn Mills, Stephanie McKenzie, Jacinta Nedd, Margaret Noel, Matthew Noel, Testina Scott, Carol Stewart, Paul Quamino. Joyce Stiell, Errol Thomas.
Over the next few posts I will try and give you a flavour of daily life in Bishop’s College and relate some of the events that took place during the year. Anyone who would like to add a contribution can contact me using the contact box on this site.