Bringing disputing parties together

OVER THE years, the Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF) has grown in stature and acceptance, and today, it is one of our primary institutions, where sanctioned mediation occurs in the delivery of justice and the maintenance of social order throughout the length and breadth of Jamaica. In many instances, without the involvement of the foundation, strife and social disorder would remain a distraction in the lives of many citizens and continue as the order of the day in many communities.

It is against this background that I would like to recognise and commend the DRF in achieving its 25th anniversary. The leadership of the foundation, past and present, should take credit for its contribution in building the reputation of the organisation and providing the necessary mechanisms in the judicial process to resolve individual impasse and community-wide disagreement.

The continued work of the foundation in training mediators who operate throughout the legal system but, in particular, at the level of the Supreme Court, the Parish Courts, and in various community organizations is commendable because it gives the courts the option of using mediation to resolve disputes and bring disputing parties together.

Through various activities such as seminars and the intensive training programmes of peer mediators in schools and certified mediators at the Parish Court and Supreme Court, the Foundation has provided mediation for matters not only related to court proceedings, but also those related to family, the community, and land matters. There is no doubt that without the mechanisms of the DRF, many of the hitherto intractable disputes that have entered the judicial system would probably still remain disputed.

On behalf of the Opposition, I would like to offer my congratulations to the leadership of the DRF on its 25th anniversary and wish them success in their planned activities to commemorate this most deserving milestone.

PETER PHILLIPS

Leader of the Opposition