More Use of Mediation in Settling Disputes

The Ministry of Justice is looking to increase the use of mediation in resolving disputes in order to reduce the number of cases that go before the courts.

“The mandate, this year, is that we intend to use mediation more, so that more cases can be disposed of, and that is why we are teaming up with National Integrity Action (NIA),” says portfolio Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck.

“We are getting further assistance from our international partners and with whatever resources we have in the Ministry, we are going to ensure that mediation is a major source of dispute resolution, so that fewer cases come to the courts and they are settled in the communities,” he added.

He was addressing the quarterly press conference at the Ministry’s headquarters on Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew, on February 15.

Noting that over 60,000 cases go before the courts annually, Minister Chuck argued that the increased use of measures such as restorative justice, plea bargaining and child diversion can result in the reduction of cases brought to court.

“We are determined that the Ministry of Justice can play a fundamental role in making Jamaica a kinder and gentler society,” he said.

Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) used to resolve disputes between two or more parties, with a neutral third party serving as mediator, who assists the parties to amicably negotiate a settlement outside of the courts.