A range of social issues influencing life in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will be addressed when CARICOM Ministers on the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) meet in Guyana on the 20^th and 21^st October, 1999.

The Third Meeting of The Council will address matters relating to the Free Movement of Skills and People in the Region, and Sport Sector Development and Strengthening. Human Resource Development, and National Policies for the Sport Sector are among the issues to be considered.

HIV/AIDS, youth development, culture, the status of preparation of national policies and programmmes coinciding with International Year of Older Persons, matters pertaining to the Convention of the Rights of the Child, the harmonisation of labour standards and legislation, and an overview of the status of implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy are also some of the items on the agenda.

The Ministers will discuss the status of the HIV/AIDS phenomenon in the Caribbean, the consequences for labour, as well as a new strategic plan for an expanded response to HIV/AIDS.

As part of the opening ceremony, a Caribbean Charter on Health and Ageing will be launched. This Charter has as its guiding principle a coordinated, systematic approach for ensuring the health and full integration of older persons in Caribbean societies and economies.

Developed in consultation with organisations in Member States, including the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Charter states, in part, "older persons must be regarded as resources for development and be supported in seeking their physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual fulfilment. They must also be regarded as having the right to live and die with dignity."

The opening ceremony will take place at the Le Meridian, Pegasus at 09:00 hours on 20^th October, while the working sessions will be held at the Headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat.