Jamaica Senate passes Mediation Act, 2026

The Jamaican Senate has passed the Mediation Act, 2026, establishing a comprehensive framework to govern mediation, including the registration, licensing, and regulation of mediators. The legislation aims to provide citizens with tools to resolve disputes in homes, communities, and workplaces through alternative dispute resolution rather than formal court systems.

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who piloted the Bill, noted that the act aligns with the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation. The government intends for the law to support peacebuilding efforts and address social causes of violence by offering more affordable and amicable ways to resolve personal and commercial disagreements.

Senator Rose Bennett-Cooper highlighted the bill's potential to assist families in resolving disputes over ancestral land and inheritance. She noted that many families occupy land under informal arrangements, which can lead to bitter legal battles; mediation offers a structured process to address these conflicts while attempting to preserve familial relationships.