The 11th Central American and Caribbean Basin (CA&CB) Conference and 39th PRTESOL Convention was held November 16–17, 2012, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. TESOL International Association also held 1-day Symposium the day before, November 15. The following countries were represented at the conference: Colombia, Cuba, Belize, Panama, Venezuela, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

On November 15, after the TESOL Symposium, the CA&CB representatives were invited to a dinner with a cultural activity sponsored by Universidad del Este, the PRTESOL president Dr. Evelyn Lugo’s institution. TESOL International president Suzanne Panferov, along with Sara Sahr, coordinator for the TESOL International Symposium, participated in this activity. We also had the presence of Dr. Kimberly Johnson and Dr. Charles Hall, TESOL Symposium presenter.

On November 16 we had the first CA&CB presentation. There was a panel by representatives of Belize, Venezuela, Panama, and Honduras. Evelin Ojeda of VenTESOL read Honduras’s paper because the representative could not attend the conference. It was an eye-opening event where the participants could identify with the situations in each country and learn how each country dealt with the challenges of teaching English. There was enthusiasm in listening to each country representative to know more about them and their countries.

The following were the CA&CB presenters and presentations. “Nonnative Speaker Teachers of English Facing the Challenge,” by Carmen Elena Guerrero, Colombia; “Teacher Training Approaches/Programs in Central American and Caribbean Basin,” panel discussion by representatives from Venezuela, Luisa Cristina Alvarez, Belize, Ethnelda Ramirez, and Panama, Joanne Pyra; “Involving Diversity in the English Teaching Process: Experiences in the Caribbean,” by Antonia Albert and Santa Yokasta Cabrera, Dominican Republic; “It’s the 21st Century: Problem-Based Learning for ESL Teachers,” by Dr. Migdalia Cruz Arthurton, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; “Active Reading,” by Octavio Espinoza, Mexico; “Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Feedback and Reflective Practice,” by Pia Maria White, Mexico; “Overcoming Stereotypes and Labels,” by Ulrich Schrader, Mexico; “Teaching English in Difficult Times: The Role of GELI,” by Adita Chiappy, Cuba; “Teachers Helping Teachers: VENTESOL Experience,” by Evelin Ojeda and Luisa Cristina Alvarez, Venezuela; “Engaging EFL Students in Diverse Exciting Ways Through Techniques and Digital Technology Applied in Literature,” by Sabino Morla, Dominican Republic; “Developing Life Competences Through ELT,” by Maria Trapero, Mexico; “The Power of Co-Teaching: A Look at Our Literacy Program and EAL Teaching,” by Joanne Pyra, Panama; and “Based Approach for Multilingual Learners,” by Ethnelda Ramirez Paulene, Belize.

A booth was provided for the CA&CB representatives to exhibit information about their affiliate, their publications, and crafts. Each representative shared information, crafts, and products typical of their country.

On November 17 the CA&CB regional meeting was held. Josue Alejandro, PRTESOL immediate past president, convened the meeting. Other PRTESOL representatives present were Evelyn Lugo, president; Estella Marquez, vice president; and Naomi Vega, higher education representative. The meeting was cordial and productive. The following issues were discussed: status of nonaffiliated representative countries, the sponsoring CA&CB affiliate of the 2014 conference, procedures for accepting new members in 2014, presence of CA&CB group in Dallas, and adoption of the logo. It was also agreed upon that the CA&CB should have a board of directors consisting of three members: a representative from the host affiliate, the next affiliate that would host the conference, and someone with senior experience with the CA&CB.

The CA&CB representatives agreed, by unanimous consent, to have the next regional conference in Colombia, to be sponsored by ASOCOPI. Panama would be the alternate choice. Carmen Elena Guerrero, ASOCOPI’s president, would let us know as soon as possible of her affiliate’s final decision. The seed money of $500 would be given by PRTESOL at the 2013 TESOL International Convention in Dallas to the sponsoring affiliate. As a follow-up on the decision made in Cancun 2010, the CA&CB logo will be the flags of the CA&CB countries in a circle around the logo of the affiliate organizing the convention, as it was done in Cancun 2010 and in San Juan 2012. It was mentioned that each country should collaborate with each other’s publications or journals.

Saturday evening, once the convention concluded, a group of PRTESOL members took the CA&CB guests on a trip to Old San Juan for a tour and dinner. The fellowship and singing led by past president Miguel Camacho provided for a joyful evening. All the representatives have expressed how satisfied they were with this enriching experience in Puerto Rico. As Ethnelda, from Belize expressed, there was a “strong camaraderie that just bloomed amongst all of us. ”

This event was truly another great step in our integration and collaboration as the CA&CB TESOL Regional Group. As Uli Schrader from Mexico has stated, “In San Juan 2012 the CA&CB group has truly become an ‘hermandad.’”