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The Dispute Resolution Foundation

The Dispute Resolution Foundation (the DRF) is a not for profit, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agency that has established itself as the premier ADR agency locally and regionally. The DRF has assembled a team of dedicated ADR professionals, which implements best practice based on years of insight and experience in the field. The DRF takes advantage of a wide range of ADR techniques and skills, always guided by ethical standards. The Foundation intends to implement and leverage digital technologies and other case and document management solutions to provide clients with cutting-edge options for conflict resolution.

As an ADR agency, The DRF provides an experienced, impartial and skilled panel of commercial, construction and other Mediators and Arbitrators with a track record of competence in assisting parties proactively to negotiate their disputes and reach efficient settlements. The DRF’s role in the dispute resolution process is to administer cases, from filing to closing, in a fair, impartial and efficient manner. The DRF provides administrative services in Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the Caribbean region. The DRF provides the full range of ADR services, including the appointment of Mediators and Arbitrators, Case Management and scheduling of sessions, we also provide customized mediation and arbitration rooms and recording services.

Fuelled by our commitment to institutionalize ADR practice locally and regionally, and our passion to help clients resolve disputes, it is critical that knowledge of conflict resolution methods is deepened and widened. Since our incorporation in Feburary 2019, we have launched our flagship mediation training programme, 40 Hour Mediation Skills, a programme accredited by the Mediation Board of Trinidad and Tobago, (the local governing body for Mediation practice, certification and training).

We have also provided a pathway for participants to hone and further refine their mediation skills in a safe, controlled and constructive learning environment through the initiation of our Practical Mediation Skills workshop. Successful completion of the Basic and Practical Mediation Skills programmes positions candidates to apply to the Mediation Board to become Certified Mediators. Feedback from these workshops is extremely favourable with ratings over 95%. We also offer several other Conflict Management and ADR related courses.

Our competencies go far beyond Certified Mediation skills training courses. We specialize in the design and execution of related training solutions to reflect specific learning objectives and workplace issues through in-house training. Together, we will identify your critical training needs and design a targeted program that is directly applicable to your organization.

REQUEST A MEDIATION

Party/Parties to a dispute may request a mediation by completing our online Request

MEDIATION FORM

The DRF will provide Parties with a short-list of potential qualified mediators, along with the cost associated with mediation services. Should the Parties be unable to select or agree on a mediator, the DRF can appoint a mediator, at the request of the Parties.

All mediation fees are shared equally among the Parties to the dispute.

THE MEDIATION PANEL

Experienced, Neutral and Regional

The Mediation Panel attached to the Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF) is comprised of carefully selected, experienced neutrals drawn from a deliberate cross section of industry and business locally, regionally and internationally. Our panel of neutrals spans the construction sector, financial services, maritime, manufacturing, insurance and other commercial sectors. Each mediator brings deep commercial and dispute resolution capability in the relevant sector understanding its nuances, protocols and industry framework. These insights, coupled with mediation experience, position the selected mediator from the panel to be effective and efficient in assisting and guiding (where appropriate) parties to a mutually satisfactory resolution of their disputes.

Choosing the right Mediator is one of the most important decisions parties make in the dispute resolution process. Parties need Mediators who understand the intricacies of their cases and industries. Effective mediators also appreciate the cultural nuances by industry and jurisdiction. Our Panel includes:

  • Experienced attorneys, including Senior Counsel
  • Former judges including former High Court Judges, Court of Appeal Judges
  • Subject matter experts drawn from industry

REQUEST A MEDIATION

Party/Parties to a dispute may request a mediation by completing our online Request

MEDIATION FORM

The DRF will provide Parties with a short-list of potential qualified mediators, along with the cost associated with mediation services. Should the Parties be unable to select or agree on a mediator, the DRF can appoint a mediator, at the request of the Parties.

All mediation fees are shared equally among the Parties to the dispute.

THE MEDIATION PANEL

Experienced, Neutral and Regional

The Mediation Panel attached to the Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF) is comprised of carefully selected, experienced neutrals drawn from a deliberate cross section of industry and business locally, regionally and internationally. Our panel of neutrals spans the construction sector, financial services, maritime, manufacturing, insurance and other commercial sectors. Each mediator brings deep commercial and dispute resolution capability in the relevant sector understanding its nuances, protocols and industry framework. These insights, coupled with mediation experience, position the selected mediator from the panel to be effective and efficient in assisting and guiding (where appropriate) parties to a mutually satisfactory resolution of their disputes.

Choosing the right Mediator is one of the most important decisions parties make in the dispute resolution process. Parties need Mediators who understand the intricacies of their cases and industries. Effective mediators also appreciate the cultural nuances by industry and jurisdiction. Our Panel includes:

  • Experienced attorneys, including Senior Counsel
  • Former judges including former High Court Judges, Court of Appeal Judges
  • Subject matter experts drawn from industry

The Dispute Resolution Foundation has and will continue to be deliberate in the development of its panel taking a measured approach to ensure experience, subject matter expertise, depth and integrity resonate throughout our organization. The DRF will continue to selectively add to and/or modify its panel to ensure that its clients can be optimally serviced. We will also ensure that all mediators on its Mediation Panel abide by the Code of Ethics set out in the Mediation Act of Trinidad and Tobago, Chapter 5:32, and with the provisions of the Act.

THE ARBITRATION PANEL

International Specialists with Integrity and Deep Subject-Matter-Expertise

Each Arbitrator on our panel has demonstrated significant subject matter experience, proven performance at the judicial and/or arbitral level and a track record that epitomizes commitment to impartiality, fairness and integrity. These qualities are the defining attributes of the Panel of The Dispute Resolution Foundation which ultimately manifests itself in the ability to provide reasoned judgments and Awards. The expertise is reflected in the DRF pillars of Practice which include disputes in Insurance, Financial Services, Maritime, Construction and other Commercial disputes.

The Panel is comprised of carefully selected, experienced neutrals drawn from a deliberate cross section of industry and business locally and regionally. Our panel of neutrals spans the construction sector, financial services, maritime, manufacturing, insurance and other commercial sectors. Each neutral brings deep commercial and dispute resolution capability in the relevant sector understanding its nuances, protocols and industry framework. These insights, coupled with mediation, arbitration and adjudication experience enable the selected neutral from the panel to be effective and efficient in assisting and guiding (where appropriate) parties to a mutually satisfactory resolution of their disputes.

The Panel includes experienced attorneys, former judges and subject matter experts drawn from industry. The DRF has and will continue to be deliberate in the development of our panel taking a measured approach to ensure experience, subject matter expertise, depth and integrity resonate throughout our organization.

The DRF will provide the parties with a list qualified, most appropriate arbitrators, based on the nature and details of the matter.

REQUEST FOR ARBITRATION

Party/Parties to a dispute may commence an Arbitration request by completing our online Request

ARBITRATION FORM

When the completed Request Form is received by the DRF, you will be contacted by our ADR personnel.

REQUEST FOR ARBITRATION

Party/Parties to a dispute may request a mediation by completing our online Request

ARBITRATION FORM

The DRF will provide Parties with a short-list of potential qualified mediators, along with the cost associated with mediation services. Should the Parties be unable to select or agree on a mediator, the DRF can appoint a mediator, at the request of the Parties.

All mediation fees are shared equally among the Parties to the dispute.

THE MEDIATION PANEL

Experienced, Neutral and Regional

The Mediation Panel attached to the Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF) is comprised of carefully selected, experienced neutrals drawn from a deliberate cross section of industry and business locally, regionally and internationally. Our panel of neutrals spans the construction sector, financial services, maritime, manufacturing, insurance and other commercial sectors. Each mediator brings deep commercial and dispute resolution capability in the relevant sector understanding its nuances, protocols and industry framework. These insights, coupled with mediation experience, position the selected mediator from the panel to be effective and efficient in assisting and guiding (where appropriate) parties to a mutually satisfactory resolution of their disputes.

Choosing the right Mediator is one of the most important decisions parties make in the dispute resolution process. Parties need Mediators who understand the intricacies of their cases and industries. Effective mediators also appreciate the cultural nuances by industry and jurisdiction. Our Panel includes:

  • Experienced attorneys, including Senior Counsel
  • Former judges including former High Court Judges, Court of Appeal Judges
  • Subject matter experts drawn from industry

REQUEST A NEUTRAL

Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB)

A DAB can be made up of one or a panel of three experienced, impartial and independent persons, selected by the parties. The board is normally organised before construction begins and meets at the job site periodically. It is also possible to agree a DAB any time thereafter. The DAB meets with the Employer’s and Contractor’s representatives during regular site visits and encourages the resolution of disputes at job level. When any dispute flowing from the contract or the work cannot be resolved by the parties it is referred to the DAB for Decision. They are used to help parties avoid or overcome any disagreements or disputes that arise during the implementation of the contract. They also assist in avoiding or overcoming disagreements and disputes.

Expert Determination

Expert Determination is an effective means of settling a technical issues or dispute between contracting parties. The dispute is submitted by agreement of the parties to an independent technical expert who makes a binding decision on the matter. The expert has the power to ask questions of the parties before rendering his or her decision. The decision is binding unless the parties agreed otherwise at the outset.

Early Neutral Evaluation

Early Neutral Evaluation is a process whereby an appointed evaluator provides an impartial view of the case to assess the strength of the parties’ evidence. The parties either submit written comments or meet in person with the expert. The expert reviews each party’s submission and then provides his opinion on the likely outcome at Trial.

TO REQUEST A DAB, EXPERT DETERMINATION OR NEUTRAL EVALUATION PLEASE COMPLETE THE REQUEST FOR SERVICE FORM

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