R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-9-4: Stay of judicial proceedings on arbitrable issue.

If any suit or proceedings is brought on any issue referable to arbitration under an agreement in writing for the arbitration, the court in which the suit is pending, upon being satisfied that the issue involved in the suit or proceedings is referable to arbitration under an agreement, shall on application of one of the parties, stay the trial of the action until the arbitration has been held.