27 Nov 2023
NASSAU, The Bahamas– A collaborative partnership between the Bahamas Industrial Tribunal (BIT) and the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) bring digital transformation into the realm of labor dispute resolutions, has far-reaching implications for the region’s industrial relations landscape.
President of the Bahamas Industrial Tribunal, Her Honor Indira Demeritte-Francis, in her address to open the 2023/2024 term of the Tribunal, shed light on the impact of the initiative to upgrade the Tribunal’s technological infrastructure and human resource capacity. A record breaking 61 cases were resolved in just three months. This number; is a challenge to conventional timelines in the often sluggish world of labour dispute resolution.
President Demeritte-Francis didn’t mince words when discussing the strategic significance of this technology-enabled feat. “The adoption at the Industrial Tribunal of digital tools and support services provided by CAJS has been complimented by policy changes and extensive training of Tribunal staff. The results are a testament to the power of teamwork and hard work, in service of those who come before our Tribunal,” she asserted.
Substance Behind The Numbers
Executive Director of the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions, Bevil Wooding, gave further insight into the intricacies of how this turnaround was achieved.
“Our partnership is not merely about technology hardware and software upgrades; it’s a deliberate effort to rethink how service is offered users of the tribunal and to reshape how industrial disputes are addressed. The improvements realized over the past two years are not just a statistical achievement; it’s a concrete step towards delivering swifter, more effective justice.”
Stepping up to the Digital Frontier of AI
As the Tribunal looks ahead, President Francis reflected on the theme for the new term, “Stepping up to the Digital Frontier of AI.”, stating, “The transformative influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various facets of contemporary life, holds profound significance within labor markets. By embracing this theme, the Tribunal is taking a proactive stance, acknowledging AI’s potential to reshape traditional norms. This theme not only underscores the new possibilities AI brings to the table but also addresses the challenges and unknowns associated with its integration into the realm of labor disputes.”
Wooding echoed this view, stating, “By delving into the digital frontier of AI, we are not only demonstrating a commitment to staying ahead of the curve, we are also affirming our conviction that that justice must remain both adaptive and effective in the face of an ever-evolving technological landscape.”
The ongoing efforts of the Bahamas Industrial Tribunal and CAJS, reflect a dedication to upholding the highest standards of industrial justice and embracing innovation that transforms rhetoric into tangible improvements for all stakeholders involved. They aren’t just making promises; they’re setting a new precedent for labour dispute settlements in the Caribbean and beyond.
Caption (l to r): Mr. Richard Wall, Chief Technology Officer, CAJS; Mr Junior McIntyre, Chief Program Officer, CAJS; Ms. Tonya Bastian Galanis, Principal, Eugene Dupuch Law School; Her Honor Indira Demeritte-Francis, President, Bahamas Industrial Tribunal; Ms. Deborah Thurton, Chief Experience Officer, CAJS; and Mr. Bevil Wooding, Executive Director, CAJS
ABOUT CARIBBEAN AGENCY FOR JUSTICE SOLUTIONS (CAJS)
The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) is a regional non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating the modernization of justice systems. Through technology-enabled solutions and knowledge sharing and capacity building programs, CAJS works to increase access to justice and improve the quality and effectiveness of justice delivery in the Caribbean.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: media@caribbeanjustice.org