Mediator for A.S.R./B.S.I.- B.S.C.F.A. Impasse Facilitating Discussions
Julie- Ann Ellis Bradley
A.S.R./ B.S.I. and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association are still in negotiation over a revised Commercial Agreement. As we have reported, Julie- Ann Ellis Bradley has been hired as an independent mediator in these negotiations. All those discussions are confidential, so there is not much that can be said outside the four walls of the meeting room. And, the hope is that Bradley can somehow assist A.S.R./B.S.I. and B.S.C.F.A. in bringing the prolonged deadlock to an end. We caught up with Bradley at an event in Belize City today where reporters asked her for some insight into the role of a mediator in resolving such an impasse. Here is what she told us.
Paul Lopez
“You have been tapped to deal with a very sensitive and long standing issue between ASR/B.S.I. and B.S.C.F.A. Are you able to provide any comment at this time on your involvement with this process?”
Julie- Ann Ellis Bradley, Independent Mediator
“No, I am not able to provide any comment because mediation is a confidential process and it would not be appropriate for me as a mediator to discuss what is happening. If the party so choose, they will decide what information will be provided.”
Reporter
“Could you address or put into perspective the significance of a mediator when we are at this cross road for over a year now.”
Julie- Ann Ellis Bradley
“Well I said, I can’t address this particular issue. But, mediators generally and what mediators do, a mediator is a general third party and that third party actually facilitate a discussion between persons in a dispute and try to come to a mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute. The mediator is different from a judge or an arbitrator so the mediator does not make a decision.”
Reporter
“How long have you been involved in mediation?”
Julie- Ann Ellis Bradley
“Well I have been a mediator for over thirteen years and in Belize you may be aware that there is a mediation process that the Supreme Court has included as well. So, you have many other mediators in Belize that are trained and able to assist parties in dispute.”
