The Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat (ADRS), with support from the UNDP, on Thursday, 16th June 2011 concluded a two-day sensitisation forum at the Bwiam Lodge, in Foni Kansala District, West Coast Region. The forum brought together  141 participants from across Foni and was aimed at exposing participants to the concept of ADRS and its dispute resolution mechanisms.

Speaking at the forum, Dr Ebrima Lowe, chief executive secretary of the ADRS, underscored the significance of the sensitization, noting that ADRS as a methodology of dispute resolution is developed to minimise the negative effect of conflict by providing a quick and amicable resolution to disputes.

He further revealed that ADRS  is not a new phenomenon in The Gambia, where conflicts and disputes involving families, communities and organization are often subject to close-door mediation and settlement by third parties. The ADR system, he went on, endears itself distinctively as a system that can be administered to deliver justice and judgment without parties going through costly and lengthy litigation proceedings frequently associated with the conventional system of justice delivery.

He further said that ADR mechanism provides an important complement to the more formal justice delivery system, which is plagued by numerous cases whose handling takes longer than normal, and at great cost to litigants. The system, he explained, contributes meaningfully to reducing caseloads and turn around time for judgment in the conventional courts.

Dr Lowe then commended UNDP for answering to the ADR Secretariat and the  Ministry of Justice at this crucial time that the secretariat is implementing its development agenda.