I was recently invited to speak, with MiddletonCDR, and as part of the Middleton-Taborns Expert Witness unit, on a panel celebrating the official launch of the Caribbean Construction Arbitration Panel at the BVI International Arbitration Centre (BVI IAC). This landmark event highlights the region’s commitment to advancing specialised dispute resolution tailored to the unique demands of the construction and infrastructure sectors across the Caribbean.
Lord Goldsmith singled out the BVI IAC as having the potential to become the “best thought out and thus most popular” centre in the region.
Meeting the Needs of the Construction Sector
The new panel is a pivotal addition to the Caribbean’s arbitration landscape, addressing disputes with expertise tailored to the industry’s nuances. It provides a platform for resolving conflicts efficiently and cost-effectively while adhering to international standards. Importantly, it connects parties with arbitrators and experts who have deep regional knowledge and a clear understanding of the complexities involved in Caribbean construction and infrastructure projects.
The Expert Witness List
As the region’s construction and engineering markets continue to expand, the dispute arena continues to evolve, and so will the demand for specific, professionally qualified and proven international experts.
Middleton-Taborn’s have been asked by the Centre to be the external and exclusive body to provide an Expert Witness facility for market to BVI IAC clients across the region.
The Arbitrator List Service
Another exciting development introduced at the launch is the Arbitrator List Service. This innovative offering simplifies the process of selecting neutrals for arbitration. Parties are provided with a curated list of 5-10 qualified arbitrators, carefully matched to their specific needs.
The service is designed to maintain flexibility and autonomy: while the BVI IAC provides the list, parties retain full discretion in appointing their chosen arbitrator. This feature is applicable for both ad hoc and institutional arbitrations, ensuring that parties can benefit from this support regardless of the arbitration framework they choose.
A Promising Future
This launch represents just the beginning of exciting growth plans for arbitration services in the Caribbean. With specialised panels like this one and innovative services supporting dispute resolution, the region is poised to become a hub for resolving construction and infrastructure disputes.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this milestone event and look forward to witnessing the impact it will have on the Caribbean’s arbitration landscape. The future is bright, and this launch is a testament to the potential of tailored solutions in meeting industry-specific needs.