NHIP Appeal Tribunal trained by Bahamian ...

CONTINUED FROM  4 expert guidance and advice on adjudication of claims we will now set out the list of tools and support systems we need established to commence the tribunal's work.”

The training was conducted by Madam Justice Stella Maureen Crane-Scott under the theme ‘Providing Skills for Adjudication and Determination of Appeals’.

Members were engaged in interactive sessions, by Justice Crane-Scott and Training Facilitator Tanya Carter, Executive Director within the Office of the Chief Justice.

Commenting on the training provided, Chief Justice Agyemang said she was happy to oblige Fulford’s request: “It was a welcomed request by the tribunal chairman for the JEI to design a specific course geared towards training its members in understanding the skills necessary for adjudication and determination of appeals.

“The Judicial Education Institute of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to offer this training to provide access to justice everywhere in the islands.”

Fulford expressed his thanks to the Chief Justice for honouring his request, stating: “Thanks to Honourable Chief Justice Agyemang for answering the call and arranging for the training of the members of the NHI Appeals Tribunal.

“We take our work very seriously and I want to ensure that my members and I are armed with the right skills for determination of appeals, given that most health matters are always a matter of life and death decisions.

“Our facilitator of the training was indeed knowledgeable, useful and practical and we thank Honourable Madam Justice Maureen Crane-Scott of the Bahamian Court of Appeal for taking the time to conduct this training.”

Earlier in July when the appeal tribunal was first appointed, Minister of Health, Hon Shaun Malcolm had indicated that claims awaiting adjudication date back several years.

He said at the time: “There are claims that need adjudicating those dates back as far as two years.

“I have chosen this team as they are all known to me as dedicated persons who can get the job done.

“I have full confidence that the tribunal will deliver justice swiftly and will deal with the backlog of claims immediately. The public can have faith in knowing that their claims will be heard.”

Fulford has promised that his team will work within the remit of the law and their terms of reference to adjudicate matters in a fair, impartial and swift manner.

“We will deliberate with the level of seriousness that is deserving of such a tribunal. It is my vision that we modernise, and where possible make electronic the process and work of the tribunal to provide a more people-centred approach to adjudicating these claims.”