Association of Caribbean Electoral Organizations

"Promoting Access to the Political Process for Citizens with Disabilities"

Under the Auspices of

the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES),

the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico (CEE) and

the Organization of American States (OAS),

and with support from the United Nations Voluntary Fund on Disability

March 30 - April 1, 1998 Condado Plaza Hotel San Juan, Puerto Rico

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A G E N D A

MONDAY, MARCH 30

16:30 Welcome

Remarks

Mr. Richard W. Soudriette, President, IFES

Mr. Juan R. Melecio, President, CEE

Ambassador Joseph Edmunds, OAS

Grand Opening of Election Equipment and Services Exhibition Hall

Presentations by international exhibitors

20:00 Dinner and Official Convening of the Conference

Remarks

Mr. Richard W. Soudriette, President, IFES

Mr. Juan R. Melecio, President, CEE

The Honorable Christopher Thomas, Assistant Secretary General, OAS

Special Address

The Honorable Norma Burgos Andújar, Secretary of State and Acting Governor of Puerto Rico

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

8:30 General Session

Presentation of the Proposed Charter of the Association of Caribbean Electoral Organizations

Moderator: Mr. Jeff Fischer, Executive Vice President, IFES

Mr. Juan R. Melecio, President, CEE

Mr. William Chin See, Chairman, Electoral Advisory Committee, Jamaica

Mr. Samuel Polanan, Chairman, Independent Electoral Council, Republic of Suriname

Discussion and Vote on the Charter

9:45 Official Signing of the Charter of the Association of Caribbean Electoral Organizations

10:00 Small Group Discussions

The Association's Future Activities - Designing the Work Plan

Moderator: Ambassador Joseph Edmunds, OAS

Group I. Training and Professional Development

Group II. Election Observation

Group III. Information Resources and Networking

Group IV. Budget and Finances of the Association

11:30 General Session Reconvenes

Small Groups Report on Suggested Association Activities

13:00 Lunch

Special Address

The Honorable Sila María Calderón, Mayor of San Juan

14:30 General Session

Promoting Access to the Political Process for Citizens with Disabilities

Moderator: Ms. Jocelyn Lucas, Former Chief Elections Officer, Trinidad and Tobago

"Ballot Template and Sensitivity Training"

Mr. Pedro L. Salamo Pérez, Free and Pro-Bono Legal Services, Puerto Rico

"The Perspective of a Caribbean Disability Organization"

Ms. Monica Bartley, Combined Disabilities Association, Jamaica

"The Perspective of a Politician and a Disability Advocate"

Senator Floyd Morris, Senate of Jamaica

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

9:00 General Session

Comparative Legislation on Disability in the Caribbean

Moderator: Dame Eugenia Charles, Former Prime Minister of Dominica

"The Puerto Rican Example"

Mr. David Cruz Vélez, Office of the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities, Puerto Rico

"International Disabilities Organization Network"

Ms. Lucy Wong Hernandez, Disabled Peoples' International, United States of America

10:15 Small Group Discussions

Promoting Access to the Political Process for Citizens with Disabilities

Moderator: The Honorable Danny McDonald, Commissioner, United States Federal Election Commission

11:30 General Session Reconvenes

Small Groups Report on Suggested Guidelines and Resolutions

12:30 Lunch

13:30 Report from the Organization of American States

Election Assistance in Belize

Mr. Walter J. Vera, Information Specialist, OAS

14:30 Nomination and Election of the Executive Board

Adoption of Resolutions by the General Assembly

Vote on Association Logo

18:30 Closing Ceremonies