Caldey Island responds to BBC series on historic allegations of abuse on Monastic Island off Tenby

Caldey Island has released a statement expressing ‘profound sorrow’ for the ‘suffering endured by survivors’ following the release of an investigative podcast into allegations of historic abuse at the monastic island. Significant changes made to safeguarding arrangements in recent years at Cadley has been highlighted.
‘Dark Island’ a new eight episode podcast commissioned by BBC Radio Wales explores a series of historic disturbing events within the close-knit community of monks living on the island off Tenby.
Caldey remains a popular destination for visitors and day-trippers.
The series (now available to listen to now on BBC Sounds) is presented by investigative journalist India Pollock, nine years after she first reported on the story for the BBC.
Since then, she has continued searching for answers as to why a series of allegations of sexual abuse and assault involving monk Father Thaddeus Kotik went unreported to the police; how one of Crimestoppers' Most Wanted, Paul Ashton, was able to evade capture while living on the island for several years; and the other unsettling stories buried in the sand of the island's past.
Following the podcast’s release, in a statement, Allison Parkinson, Safeguarding Lead at Caldey Island said: “The testimonies of those who suffered abuse on Caldey Island are deeply moving and painful to hear. We are profoundly sorry for what happened to them, for the terrible suffering they have endured, and for the failures of those who should have protected them.
“Listening to survivors describe their experiences, and the lasting impact on their lives, brings home the devastating human consequences of abuse. These are not simply events from the distant past.
“For those who suffered, the pain, trauma and sense of betrayal can last a lifetime, affecting their families and those they love.
“We are deeply saddened by what we have heard in the BBC podcast. We know that speaking publicly about such painful experiences takes enormous courage, and we are grateful to those who have found the strength to share their stories.
“We also recognise that hearing these accounts may be distressing for other survivors, including those who have chosen not to speak publicly
“We cannot change what happened, nor can any apology take away the suffering that has been caused.
“But we can acknowledge that suffering, listen with humility and compassion, and accept our responsibility to ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten,” she continued.
©Video: BBC Wales