Turks & Caicos Labour Tribunal Delegation Collaborates with Bermuda’s Employment Tribunal
A historic six-day visit orchestrated by President Mrs. Doreen Quelch Missick saw a triumvirate delegation from the Turks & Caicos Islands Labour Tribunal immersing themselves in a knowledge exchange with Bermuda’s Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal. The delegation comprised esteemed members: Labour Tribunal Secretary Mrs. Lucille Campbell, Tribunal Administrative Officer Mrs. Winifred Stubbs, and Tribunal Officer Ms. Alice Williams.
The objective of this unprecedented journey was clear: to foster collaborative ties and glean insights from the operations of Bermuda’s tribunal. Throughout the week, the delegates had the distinct privilege of engaging with prominent figures including the Honourable Jason Hayward, Cabinet Minister responsible for Economy and Labour; Mr. Edward Ball, Chairman of Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal; and Mrs. Gabrielle Cann, Acting Director of Labour Relations, among other key stakeholders.
From fruitful discussions with Labour Relations Officers and Investigators to insightful meetings with the Human Rights Commission and the Workforce Development Department, the visit epitomized a remarkable opportunity for knowledge exchange and enhanced cooperation between the two jurisdictions. Stay tuned for the ripple effects of this groundbreaking collaboration.
The delegation not only engaged in discussions on the Bermuda Employment Act 2000 and the Employment Amendment Act 2021 but were able to share comparisons to the Turks & Caicos Islands Employment Ordinance 2004, amended 2018. These pieces of legislation govern the operations and procedures of the Labour Tribunals.
It was very enlightening and educational for the TCI Labour Tribunal staff to observe various hearings – a Non-compliance Hearing; Directions Hearing and a Substantive Hearing which were presided over by different Chairman and Arbitrators; after which a debriefing of each Hearing was held to include the Chairman, the Tribunal panel and the three-member delegation.
There were some shared similarities of the processes and operations between the two Islands Tribunals. The overall visit was not only beneficial but also very rewarding for the delegation as the experiences and information shared could help both Tribunals.
Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration & Border Services also responsible for Labour Tribunal, supported the outreach efforts of the Labour Tribunal. He encourages the ongoing dialogue with our sister UK Territory. As we all work together to provide equity and fairness to users of the Labour Tribunal.
