As the Supreme Court of Barbados moves to start a court-annexed mediation programme in 2015, the Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) Project is providing training assistance to help make it a reality.

The justice sector reform project is funding a two-day Mediation Coordinator training programme for 22 court clerks from the Supreme Court.

Lenore St. Croix and Francis Compton from the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court will lead the training sessions which run from December 29 to 30.

“This Mediation Coordinator training programme will equip the court clerks with the necessary knowledge and skills required for effectively managing a mediation programme for the Supreme Court of Barbados,” explained Professor Velma Newton, regional director, IMPACT Justice Project.

“The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has made great strides in using mediation to complement the litigation process in the OECS and we are pleased to partner with two of their Mediation Coordinators to host this training programme.”

The IMPACT Justice Project is dedicated to providing support for justice sector reform across the region. Its main purpose is to enhance access to justice for the benefit of women, men, youth and businesses in CARICOM Member States.

“This training programme follows on from the mediation lectures held in Barbados earlier this month to sensitise key stakeholders to the benefits of having a mediation programme in place.“