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
