Artikel VIII

1. The Ministerial Council, comprising representatives of Member States, as set out in Article X, shall be the principal organ for policymaking and direction of the Association within the purposes and functions set out in Article III of this Convention.
2. The Ministerial Council may, in accordance with its Rules of Procedure established under Article XI, convene at its discretion, special meetings of the Ministerial Council to consider the subject areas or issues proposed for its consideration.
3. The Ministerial Council may, initially on an ad hoc basis, establish the Special Committees that it considers necessary to assist it in the performance of its functions. The Ministerial Council shall establish and determine the composition and terms of reference of:
a) the Committee on Trade Development and External Economic Relations;
b) the Committee for the Protection and Conservation of the Environment and of the Caribbean Sea;
c) the Committee on Natural Resources,
d) the Committee on Science, Technology, Health, Education and Culture; and
e) the Committee on Budget and Administration.
4. In their work, the Special Committees referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article may request and take into account the opinions of the Social Partners recognised under Article IX(d).