Port of Spain, February 25, 2015.- On March 10th 2015, the Republic of Guatemala will host the XX Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) as well as its preceding Preparatory Meeting.

The Meeting is convened annually by the Ministerial Council which is the main governing body of the Association consisting of Ministers and Representatives of the Member States.

The Ministerial Council sets out the policies to be provided for in the Articles establishing the ACS and in the Declarations of the Heads of State. Its functions include monitoring the operation of the General Secretariat; appointing the Secretary General; forming Special Committees; deciding on matters of membership; convening Summits and approving work plans and budgets, among others.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, the Honourable Carlos Raúl Morales Moscoso in his capacity as Chairman of the Ministerial Council, will deliver opening remarks to commence the Meeting. H.E. Alfonso Múnera, Secretary General of the ACS will also address delegates during the Meeting’s Opening Ceremony.

The Meeting will also facilitate the appointment of an Executive Board of the Ministerial Council consisting of a Chairman, two Vice Chairmen and a Rapporteur. This Board provides guidance and ensures follow-up and coordination in the implementation of the Association’s Work Programme.

Further activities of the Meeting include the election of Executive Boards of the Special Committees of Trade Development and External Economic Relations, Transport, Sustainable Tourism, Disaster Risk Reduction and Budget and Administration as well as the Council of National Representatives of the Special Fund for the period 2015-2016.

During the closing session, the incoming Chairman will address delegates present and officially conclude the XX Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the ACS.