Dear Colleagues, This is an invitation for you to attend The Sixth (VI) Meeting of Central American-Caribbean Region (RCAC) of the International Biometric Society (IBS), November 16-18, 2011, at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus.

WHY STATISTICS? IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS OF STATISTICS AND STATISTICAL DATA ANALYSIS CONFERENCE DATES AND LOCATIONS: 16TH – 18TH November 2011 at UWI, Kingston, Jamaica

WHY STATISTICS? IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS OF STATISTICS AND STATISTICAL DATA ANALYSIS Recognising the need to encourage an appreciation for appropriate collection and collation of statistical data, as well as, for suitable interpretation of the data collected, conference activities will highlight efforts of data managers and data analysts as well the applied scientist and end-users of data collect, collate, analyze and interpret data in a manner that will lead to evidence based policy decisions and improvement in human welfare. The conference will feature invited and topic-contributed oral and poster presentations as well as short courses in the use of statistical software and statistical methodology. These various presentations are aimed at heightening statistical thinking amongst researchers and lay persons alike as we seek ways to communicate findings in a manner that will facilitate efficient uptake and application of information provided by statistics and statistical data analysis. You are cordially invited to contribute to the success of this event with your effective participation. Participants are highly encouraged to attend the entire conference. This will give the best opportunity to exchange of ideas and to further develop the conference programmed while enhancing the collaboration between the different participating institutions. Venue: The conference will be at the Mona Vistors’ Lodge on the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. There are excellent hotels in nearby distances from these venues. Participants also have the option of staying at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge on the Mona Campus or on the halls of residence on the campus. A listing of rates for different types of accommodation will be circulated shortly.

Call for papers: The conference will welcome submissions from non-profits organizations as well as, data managers and analysts, researchers, scholars, applied and pure scientists involved in the analysis and managements of data, policy makers, and other practitioners. Participants will be able to enjoy shows, attractions, activities, and tours available in the Kingston Metropolitan Area and its environs. Your submission and presentation can be based on any of the following topics: The value of Data Collection Safeguarding Data Quality Data Analysis for the Pure and Applied Sciences The impact of the Data Analysis on Policy Decisions Data Management in Resource-Deprived Settings How can we best prevent misinterpretation of Data Analysis results? Data Management and Analysis within the public and private sector Any other biometric topic Please note that your submission is not limited to the above-mentioned topics and cross-disciplinary works are highly encouraged. Instructions for submission of papers: The deadline for submitting abstracts for contributions is September 30, 2011 and early submissions are welcome. Abstracts should not exceed 250 words and should give a summary of the aims and objectives of the research, the methodology utilized and the main results. The corresponding author should be clearly indicated. Authors may specify whether they are submitting an abstract for an oral or poster presentation but the final decision regarding the type of presentation (oral or poster) will be made by the scientific committee. The scientific committee will revise the abstracts as soon as they arrive and the decision will be sent to the corresponding author immediately. Be sure to make an early submission if you need a letter of acceptance to ask for funds, a visa, or any other academic issue. All papers should be submitted by email to [email protected] and to [email protected] . REGISTRATION: Registration fee: The registration fee for the three day meeting is 100 U$D. It may be paid at the registration desk during the sessions. This fee includes venue reception, materials from the meeting, coffee breaks, attendance to mini-course offer during the meeting (to be announced) and rights to attend all the academic and social activities. It does not include lunch, no dinner. In order to encourage a large participation in this event, we would greatly appreciate if you can circulate this Meeting Invitation as widely as possible to individuals, groups, and networks that may show interest for the topics covered in the case that you cannot personally take part in the events. While we anticipate your response at your earliest convenience, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. We look forward to your participation in the upcoming meeting. Kind regards,

Novie Younger Ph.D The Local Organizing Committee Secretariat