We have just returned from beautiful San Jose, Costa Rica, and our historic first IARLJ Americas Chapter Conference, that was held in the magnificent club Union, in downtown San Jose. I am pleased to report that our first Americas regional conference and workshop were a great success. The IARLJ Costa Rica Conference, from beginning to end, exceeded everyone's expectations.

The great success of our first Americas regional chapter was due to the dedicated efforts of a number of people and organizations, but first among all those who contributed to the success of our meetings was our Conference Chairperson, Madame Justice Ana Calzada. Madame Justice Calzada was not only a gracious host, who ensured that everyone's needs at the conference were properly addressed, but she also made a substantial contribution to the substantive content of our conference through her presentations at several sessions. Madame Justice Calzada deserves special thanks for her outstanding efforts in making our first IARLJ Americas Chapter Conference in Costa Rica such a great success.

As you may know, we have already started the planning for our next IARLJ Americas Chapter Conference to be held in 2006. In fact, a number of countries have expressed an interest in hosting our next IARLJ Americas Chapter Conference. This too is indicative of the success of our first conference.

The interest and momentum generated at our historic first conference should be harnessed to help to carry us through to our second conference in 2006.

James Simeon
14th June 2004