Senate gives nod to Mediation Bill

THE Mediation Bill, 2026, which formalises the use of alternative dispute resolution in the criminal justice system, received bipartisan support during its passage in the Senate on Friday. In piloting the Bill, Leader of Government Business in the Senate Kamina Johnson Smith noted that, while mediation takes place in Jamaica, “the framework within which it is offered has long needed streamlining and strengthening in order to harness its full potential”. “This Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework governing the conduct of mediation in Jamaica. It provides for the registration of mediators, the licensing and regulation of mediation providers for continuing professional development, and the establishment of the necessary institutional machinery,” said Johnson Smith.

She described the new legislation as “another practical addition to our toolkit as we address our national challenge of managing conflicts, settling disputes and building peace in our homes, communities and workplaces”. “Very importantly, it establishes the legal framework required for Jamaica to ratify the United Nations Convention on international settlement agreements resulting from mediation, commonly known as the Singapore Convention on Mediation,” added Johnson Smith, who is also the minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade. Leader of Opposition Business Senator Donna Scott-Mottley welcomed the establishment of a public register of mediators in the Bill during her contribution to the debate. She observed that “citizens should be able to check whether someone is registered and whether a service provider is licensed. There needs to be a certainty about that,” she stated. The Opposition lawmaker indicated her liking of clause 12 of the Bill which allows “other training” whereby people can…