The Registry of the Supreme Court Saint Lucia in collaboration with Compete Caribbean is campaigning for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), or mediation, as the preference for resolving conflict. As such, a campaign has been launched to increase the availability of and access to mediation services under the legislative framework in Saint Lucia.

Chartered Accountant and trained mediator, Andrea St. Rose, said that an environment where there is a process in place for the settlement of disputes is very good for business. It is also one of the means that the country can use to attract investment.

“An investor would not like to know that you are operating in an environment where, if you have a dispute it will take years to get resolved. That is a very good selling point for Saint Lucia that we have a proper system in place to assist with the resolution of disputes. People enter into transactions and there will be disagreements so it is very important that people are able to take advantage of that process to assist them in resolving disputes efficiently because time has a value to it.”

Chairman of the Court Connected Mediation Committee, Justice Francis Belle, said mediation is quicker or less costly than litigation and it is also empowering to the individuals involved.

“An individual who doesn’t have a lot of resources and time for something like court would want to know that they can get their disputes resolved quickly and it not be too costly. Individuals who may be involved in small business can see themselves as being empowered knowing that they can take charge of their situation and resolve their disputes by way of mediation with the assistance of a well-trained mediator.”

The campaign will allow for engagement with SMEs, including manufacturers, farmers, service providers, and other business owners, about how mediation services can be made more accessible.