The Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment Hon Jone Usamate today opened the module in mediation training and accreditation for potential mediators for Labour Ministry officials at the Holiday Inn, Suva.
In his opening address, the Minister highlighted that this is an important training for his ministry in managing conflicts and resolving disputes effectively through mediation.
The Minister conveyed his heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to Mr. George Lim and Mr. Tat Lim the representatives of the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) who availed themselves to provide professional training in developing the skills of his Officers.
“We are indeed fortunate that the training is facilitated by two of the best trainers from SMC and the high success rate of mediated cases settled by our Mediation Unit that stands at 81.4% is an indicative of the quality and high standard of training provided by SMC.”
The Chief Guest Honourable Justice Mr William Calachini in his speech highlighted that the Singapore Mediation Centre have a proven track record in terms of achieving mediated settlements of disputes including some multi-million dollar claims.
“Fiji is indeed fortunate that its future mediators are being trained and guided by two highly qualified and experienced mediators and trainers from the Singapore Mediation Centre,” said Calachini.
“Mediation is less expensive than litigation or arbitration as litigation can take years through the courts processes whereas mediation provides a timely way of settling a dispute,” added Calachini.
Having undergone the training himself in March, Mr Calachini said that mediation provides genuine and significant advantages of a settlement due to the role it plays in maintaining a peaceful and harmonious working relationship between the parties.
The training will end with an assessment and accreditation of potential mediators on Thursday, the 14th of November.
-ENDS-