Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Delroy Chuck, believes the new Mediation Act and the first comprehensive national policy on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will be game changers in how community dispute resolutions are handled, and should produce further reductions in crime.

During his address at the ADR Policy Development and Estate Planning Forum on Wednesday at AC Hotel Kingston, Chuck emphasised the importance of the Mediation Act for the justice system, as it will bring a modern legislative framework.

“Achieving the vision of financial independence, getting our people to live peacefully, require more than policy. It also requires a modern legislative framework. That is why I’m pleased that the Government has recently laid the Mediation Bill. We are hoping that it will get to the Senate by about September and it will be fully in action before the end of the year,” the justice minister said.