The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has initiated a feasibility study into the establishment of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre in Barbados.

“One of the roles of the BCCI is to lobby for an effective and enabling business environment and the BCCI believes that the use of Alternative dispute resolution is a step in the right direction,” Mrs. Gale said.

“Technical and financial assistance for the feasibility study is being provided by Compete Caribbean with the due diligence analysis being conducted by Ms. Baria Ahmed, an expert in ADR from the UK. She is currently in Barbados and has been speaking with many stakeholders in the government and private sector,” Mrs. Gale shared.

According to Ms. Ahmed, Barbados is already well positioned to have an ADR Centre for domestic, regional and international disputes, with the study will examining if such a centre would be sustainable. A review of the ADR expertise already in Barbados will also be conducted and opportunities which exist for ongoing capacity building through established educational institutions such as the University of the West Indies. Ms. Ahmed will be returning to Barbados at the end of July to continue her meetings with stakeholders. Her official report is due at the end of September after she has a final meeting with stakeholders.