Mar. 4 — The Twenty-First Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is scheduled for 11-12 March 2010 at the Fort Young Hotel, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica. CARICOM Heads of Government and World Bank President Mr. Robert B. Zoellick will meet during the conference to discuss a number of issues, the most pressing of which is the very high debt burder that some Member States are currently subject to. Functions and Powers of the Conference The Conference is the supreme Organ of the Community and determines and provides policy direction for the Community. Except where otherwise provided in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, the Conference is the final authority for the conclusion of treaties on behalf of the Community and for entering into relationships between the Community and international organisations and States. The Conference may take decisions in order to establish the financial arrangements necessary to defray the expenses of the Community and is the final authority on questions arising in relation to the financial affairs of the Community. The Conference may establish such Organs or Bodies as it considers necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the Community. The Conference may issue policy directives of a general or special character to other Organs and Bodies of the Community concerning the policies to be pursued for the achievement of the objectives of the Community and effect shall be given to such directives. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Treaty, the Conference may consider and resolve disputes between Member States. The Conference may consult with entities within the Caribbean Region or with other organisations and for this purpose may establish such machinery as it considers necessary. The Conference shall regulate its own procedure and may decide to admit at its deliberations as observers of non-Member States of the Community and other entities. Source: CARICOM Secretariat
