Holy Name board launches independent review into Sister Renee Hall

The Board of Management of Holy Name Convent Port of Spain has announced an independent review process following concerns and experiences publicly shared in recent days regarding allegations against principal Sister Renee Hall.

The move comes days after backlash online, where former and current students accused Sister Renee of emotional abuse and mistreatment following a Mother’s Day profile celebrating her 25-year career at the school and her “spiritual motherhood” towards students.

The Board said the committee will be chaired by Vincent Perriera and includes professionals from psychology, industrial relations, compliance, governance, and institutional leadership.

Lucent Research has also been engaged as an independent third party to support the secure collection and management of information and submissions received as part of the process.

The review will allow relevant parties to confidentially share concerns, experiences, and information considered material to the process. The Board said details regarding the confidential submission process and related procedures will be communicated once finalised.

What began as an inspirational Mother’s Day feature by Guardian Media quickly escalated into widespread criticism on social media, with hundreds of users, many claiming to be past and present students, posting allegations ranging from emotional distress to systemic mistreatment.

The allegations sparked national discussion and wider concern, with an online petition seeking Sister Renee’s removal attracting more than 1,000 signatures.

In an update following its May 12, 2026 statement, the Board said an Independent Review Committee, separate from both the Board and the school administration, has now been formally established.

The Board said it recognises the significance of the concerns and experiences being shared publicly and acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding the issue.

“The wellbeing, dignity, and holistic development of students remain of paramount importance,” the Board said, adding that it is committed to ensuring the process is handled responsibly, fairly, independently, and with due sensitivity.

The findings and outcome of the process will guide any further steps considered necessary.

Holy Name Convent’s board had previously said the inquiry would be conducted independently of both the Board and the leadership of the Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena and would adhere to the protocols of the Ministry of Education and the Teaching Service Commission.

“We will seek and encourage truth in all of these matters, and therefore request current students to file any complaints through the existing processes. We encourage others to go through the processes yet to be outlined in the upcoming independent investigation.”

The Board reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, student wellbeing, and due process while remaining guided by the values on which Holy Name Convent Port of Spain was built, including truth, compassion, dignity, and service.