Today saw history being made in the Turks and Caicos Islands with Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang opening the first ever TCI Mediation Centre at Emily House for the purpose of Court-connected Mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice.
The opening ceremony which was well attended by H E the Acting Governor Mrs. Anya Williams, The Premier Hon Washington Misick, Ministers of Cabinet, Deputy Premier Hon. E J Saunders, Tourism Minister Hon Josephine Connolly, Education Minister Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor, Hon. Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles, Director of Public Prosecution Mr Eugene Ottoyne, Judges of the Supreme Court Justice Aziz, Justice Lobban Jackson, Chief Magistrate Hatmin and various Honorable members of Parliament.
Chief Justice in her opening remarks stated: “This ceremony marks the official opening of this space, generously supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office UK, through the efforts of His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin. We also acknowledge the work of the Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development in making this facility available to us.”
The honorable Chief Justice Agyemang who was passionate from her arrival to the jurisdiction about launching a Mediation Centre, paved the way for same by amendments to the Criminal Procedure and Civil Procedure Ordinances to create the mechanism for it to become a reality.
Chief Justice went on to say “The Mediation Centre is dedicated to the use of persons throughout the islands who wish to have their disputes mediated, as well as victims of, and persons impacted by crime who seek to achieve healing and closure through Victim-Offender mediation, referred to as Restorative Justice.
Both Court-Connected Mediation and the Restorative Justice Process will be accessed at this Mediation Centre. The Mediation Centre will be the neutral place away from the intimidations associated with courtrooms; providing comfort, to allow for meaningful mediation of disputes as well as the facilitation of the restorative process. “
The Mediation Centre at Emily House on Leeward Highway provides space for the use of mediators, facilitators and parties, are: two conference rooms equipped with electronic capability; an office for a Mental Health practitioner who may need to assess the suitability of cases for the restorative justice process; an office for mediators and facilitators where they will prepare for the sessions by reading through the briefs assigned to them; an office for the ADR Administrator who will assist mediators and facilitators and parties; a notice board that will provide information on mediation dates and other information; bathroom facilities; a lunchroom; and shortly, disabled access at the back of the building to accommodate persons who may find it difficult to access the Centre.
In closing the Honorable Chief Justice Agyemang stated that “The Mediation Centre is for the entire TCI. The Judiciary’s mission is to provide “access to quality justice” and we aim to do this through the provision of excellent service, including efficient and effective dispute resolution. Today, we take one more step towards achieving this mission, and we do so with deep gratitude to all who have joined hands with the Judiciary in our march towards relevance, significance, and excellence. I acknowledge all present, for your continued support, and I thank you all.” Read full speech.
Mediation is a negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party called the Mediator. Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication with the view to taking a reparative approach that focuses on the needs of the victims and the offenders.
The Mediation Committee membership consists of: The Hon. Ms Justice Tanya Lobban Jackson – Chairperson; His Honour Mr. Jolyon Hatmin – Chief Magistrate; Ms. Renee McLean – Registrar of the Supreme Court, and Mr. Selvyn Hawkins, President of the Bar Council. The Registrar of the Magistrate’s Court, Ms. Patricia Arana is currently the ADR Administrator, responsible for the administration of both Mediations and Restorative Justice sessions.
