The Tribune

The Bahamas Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) has named Dame Joan Sawyer as its official patron.

The former Chief Justice and president of the Court of Appeal was unanimously approved by all eleven Trustees of CIArb to become the first branch patron.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dame Joan Sawyer as our first patron,” said Bertha Cooper-Rousseau, chairperson of The Bahamas branch of CIArb. ]

“Dame Sawyer is a highly respected member of the legal fraternity here in the Bahamas, and we are honoured to have her serve in this capacity.

“With her appointment, the Bahamas Branch now has an Ambassador who can champion the cause of Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, and its overall benefits to the legal system.”

Dame Sawyer is among several high-ranking legal professionals throughout the world serving as patrons to CIArb Branches.

Formed in 2010, the Bahamas Branch of CIArb is focused on educating and training professionals in thee Bahamas on the skills needed to practice anywhere in the world.

This September, the local branch will launch The Dame Joan Sawyer First International Commercial Arbitration Lecture Series, featuring the pre-eminent practitioner, scholar and author in the area of International Commercial Arbitration, Professor Jan Paulsson.

Professor Paulsson will speak on the crucial role of the judiciary in developing an international arbitration centre.

“To become a reputable and sophisticated international arbitration centre, the Bahamas must demonstrate that it has a pool of internationally-recognised Accredited Arbitrators and Mediators,” said Mrs Cooper-Rousseau.

“The Bahamas Branch has therefore established a strategic and intensive training agenda that will include accelerated courses leading to Fellowship. The courses will commence in September are opened to various professions including legal, accounting, financial services, engineering, medical and other disciplines”.

The Branch has planned a series of meet and greets during the summer months for key stakeholders and professional associations to meet the new patron and ask questions on CIArb training and education pathways.