MEDIATE INSTEAD OF COURT SYSTEM

BY RICHARD KARIMA

Solomon Islands Chief Justice yesterday welcomed the establishment of mediation mechanism training process which will help provide the public and the business community with a means to resolve disputes quickly, cost effectively and on good terms.

During the presentation ceremony for the twenty trainees’ mediators, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer officially launched the training program.

“Mediation is a flexible, non-binding dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party (mediator) assists two or more disputants to reach a voluntary, negotiated settlement of their differences,” the Chief Justice said.

In such a regard the court will be referred to the parties to the mediation at their accord. The mediator will therefore try their best to reach the final solution but has not power to make decision but the parties do have.

In his address Sir Albert used chiefs and elders responsibility as an example and Christian founder as mediator between God and men.

A typical dispute between parties may involve a business contract disagreement between a buyer and the seller.

“In many instances mediation is taken for granted and accepted as a norm in society. It however becomes relevant when a dispute arise.”

According to report, High Court and magistrate courts in Western, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa provinces will have access to professionals’ mediation.

Awareness program were held for lawyers, government officials, the private sector and civil society, assisted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

“For those that have neither time nor money to go through the standard court case process, mediation can be extremely beneficial.”