As part of Canada’s commitment to strengthening access to justice in the Caribbean, the Government of Canada, through the IMPACT Justice Project, engaged ADR Center in early 2020 to design and deliver a specialized ADR training program in Jamaica. The aim: to create a cadre of qualified mediation trainers who could build local capacity and ensure the long-term sustainability of mediation services in the region.
The initiative addressed a critical gap: while mediation services had been growing across the Caribbean, there was a shortage of skilled trainers capable of developing future mediators to internationally recognized standards. By training the trainers, this project sought to amplify the reach and impact of ADR far beyond the initial cohort—laying the foundation for a regional transformation in how conflicts are resolved.
Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions, the training was successfully adapted and delivered, with impressive results and enduring outcomes.
The centerpiece of the project was a five-day “Training of Trainers on Mediation”, organized from February to March 2020 in Jamaica (with adjustments due to pandemic-related delays). The course was meticulously designed by ADR Center and aligned with internationally recognized standards in adult education, mediation, and trainer certification.
Key aspects of the training included:
Custom Curriculum Design: The course focused on core competencies needed to teach mediation effectively, such as adult learning principles, facilitation techniques, conflict resolution theory, and ethical standards. The curriculum was tailored to reflect Caribbean realities and legal frameworks, ensuring contextual relevance.
Interactive, Skills-Based Delivery: The training emphasized experiential learning—role plays, simulations, peer feedback, and supervised teaching practice—designed to equip participants with both mediation and instructional skills.
Participant Selection by IMPACT Justice: Approximately 15 professionals were hand-picked by the IMPACT Justice Project, based on their prior experience in mediation and potential as future trainers. This ensured the group comprised high-potential individuals who could rapidly apply what they learned.
Final Assessment and Accreditation: To complete the program, participants underwent a rigorous evaluation process. Successful candidates were awarded ADR Center accreditation as Mediation Trainers, certifying their readiness to lead mediation training programs independently.
The ADR training initiative in the Caribbean achieved all its objectives and delivered long-term value for Jamaica and the broader region.
One of the most important outcomes was the establishment of a locally trained and accredited group of mediation trainers, capable of delivering future mediation training programs across the Caribbean. This is a strategic shift from relying on international trainers, enabling self-sufficiency and regional ownership of mediation education.
With a trained corps of professionals, the project directly contributes to expanding the availability and quality of mediation services across the region. These trainers are now positioned to support government programs, court-connected mediation schemes, and private sector ADR initiatives.
Despite the outbreak of COVID-19 and associated travel and gathering restrictions, the training program demonstrated adaptability and resilience. ADR Center and local stakeholders collaborated to adjust delivery schedules and modalities, ensuring the project’s successful completion without compromising quality or impact.
This project aligns closely with broader justice reform efforts in the Caribbean by embedding sustainable, high-quality ADR capacity within national systems. It complements ongoing work by regional institutions to reduce court backlogs, improve access to justice, and strengthen the rule of law.
In summary, this ADR training program, implemented by ADR Center for the Government of Canada in Jamaica, is a prime example of targeted capacity-building with regional ripple effects. By empowering local professionals to become trainers, it planted the seeds for a scalable and self-sustaining mediation ecosystem across the Caribbean.
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