Verdrag inzake de oprichting van de Caraïbische Postunie, met Protocol inzake voorrechten en immuniteiten van de Caraïbische Postunie

1

The contracting parties hereby re-affirm the establishment of the Caribbean Postal Union.

2

The purpose of the CPU shall be to:

• a)

  Improve the response to customers’ requirements for postal facilities of all kinds;

• b)

  Facilitate the improvement and security of postal services;

• c)

  Co-ordinate postal training arrangements and postal operational services, and

• d)

  Promote international postal co-operation in the spirit and observance of the Acts of the Universal Postal Union;

• e)

  Engage in other activities approved by the Conference aimed at the development of postal administrations and the sustainability of the CPU.

3

The Union is to be considered a Restricted Union of the Universal Postal Union as provided for in Article 8 of the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union.

1

The Union shall have full legal capacity.

2

Each member shall in its territory accord to the Union the most extensive legal capacity accorded to legal persons under its municipal laws. In any legal proceedings the Secretary General of the Union shall represent the Union.

1

Membership of the Union shall be open to all the founding countries and territories of the Union as well as all Caribbean countries and territories.

2

Each of these countries or territories may announce its accession to this Convention at any time by notifying the Secretary General of the Union. They shall sign and ratify the Convention at the earliest opportunity thereafter.

3

Any other country may become a party to the Union by application in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Article, subject however to such terms and conditions as the Conference may determine.

4

Applications for admission to membership of the Union shall be sent to the Secretary General of the Union, accompanied by a formal declaration of intention to accept the obligations of this Convention.

5

The Secretary General of the Union shall consult all members as soon as possible on applications for admission that he has received. A country shall be admitted to membership of the Union if its application for admission has been approved by two-thirds of the members of the Union. The admission shall then be notified to the members of the Union by the Secretariat of the Union and shall take effect on a date agreed between the new member and the Secretary General.

1

The Union shall invite the Universal Postal Union to attend its meetings as an observer.

2

Other Restricted Postal Unions, postal administrations not members of the Union and any regional or international body, country or territory, or any other organization whose activities are of interest to the Union, may be invited to attend the Union’s meetings as observers by decision of the Chairman of the meeting concerned.

3

Observers shall not be entitled to vote at meetings of the Union.

1

The Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs is responsible for the development of long-term strategies and policies concerning postal matters and the future of the postal industry within the Caribbean region, and delegates implementation of these strategies and policies to the Conference.

2

The members of this Council are the ministers in charge of postal affairs of the member countries of the CPU, or their representatives, and must be duly authorized and sufficiently empowered to negotiate on behalf of and to commit their respective countries in accordance with their constitutional procedures.

3

The members of the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs shall ensure that sufficient resource is available in order for the policies of their respective countries to be embodied in the CPU and shall undertake to facilitate the implementation of the CPU processes and decisions in their countries.

4

The Secretary General shall also serve as the secretary to this Council.

5

This Council shall in principal meet every year.

1

The Conference shall ensure the continuity of the Union and carry out the functions indicated in Article 9.

2

The Conference shall consist of the Postmasters General of the member countries or territories, or their representatives, who must be duly authorized to negotiate on behalf of and to commit their respective countries in accordance with their constitutional procedures

3

The Conference shall fix the dates of its meetings in relation to the meetings of the Universal Postal Union. The Conference shall normally meet once a year during the period of May to June. In addition, the Conference may meet in extra-ordinary sessions at the request of two-thirds of the members of the Union.

1

The functions of the Conference shall be:

• a)

  to implement the strategies and policies as adopted by the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs;

• b)

  to formulate, advise on and prepare policies to be set out by the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs;

• c)

  to elect the Secretary General and fix the level of his or her remuneration;

• d)

  to elect the members of the Management Board;

• e)

  to set priorities, receive reports and identify issues to the Management Board as set forth under this paragraph;

• f)

  to adopt amendments to this Convention;

• g)

  to adopt and amend special agreements concerning the establishment and operation of postal services and the provision of services to the public;

• h)

  to formulate general policy with regard to postal services, legislation and technical co-operation;

• i)

  to fix the number of permanent employees in the Secretariat;

• j)

  to fix the ceiling of the Union’s expenditure and the principles governing that expenditure;

• k)

  to determine all matters of general interest submitted to it by members of the Union in accordance with Article 21 of this Convention;

• l)

  to enter into agreements on behalf of the Union;

• m)

  to appoint an auditor on the recommendation of the Management Board;

• n)

  to approve the budget of the Union.

2

The Conference may assign tasks to the Management Board.

1

The decisions of the Conference shall apply to all members. Members which are unable to adopt a decision of the Conference must immediately inform the Secretary General of the fact and state the reasons therefore.

2

Each member shall have one vote in the Conference.

3

Any member may be represented by another member at meetings of the Conference, provided that a member shall not represent more than one member in addition to itself.

4

The Conference shall designate the country in which its next meeting shall be held.

5

The Conference may regulate its own procedure.

1

The Management Board, comprising the representatives of seven Member Countries, shall be established to ensure the continuity of the Union’s work and administration of the Union’s affairs during the period between the meetings of the Conference.

2

The Management Board shall be elected by the Conference and shall hold office for a period of two years.

3

The Management Board shall meet at least twice a year.

4

The Management Board may convene extra-ordinary meetings, or a session of the Management Board may be cancelled if two-thirds of its members so decide.

5

The Management Board shall elect its Chairman from among its members.

1

The functions of the Management Board shall be as follows:

• a)

  to perform tasks assigned to it by the Conference;

• b)

  to submit for approval to the Conference the annual action plan activities of the Union;

• c)

  to prepare the meetings of the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs and the Conference, in liaison with the host country and the Secretary General;

• d)

  to take the necessary executive measures for the implementation of certain decisions of principle taken by the Conference;

• e)

  to take, subject to directives given by the Conference, appropriate measures for ensuring efficiency;

• f)

  to work with appropriate organizations and bodies in promoting technical co-operation and especially in implementing regional projects;

• g)

  to review the draft budget of the Union, to make recommendations to the Conference, and to monitor the budget performance throughout the year;

• h)

  to determine the salaries to be paid to the employees of the Secretariat;

• i)

  to create temporary posts in the Secretariat and recommend permanent posts in the Secretariat to the next meeting of the Conference;

• j)

  to ensure the proper auditing of the Union’s accounts;

• k)

  to establish at its discretion such committees and working groups and adopt such working methods as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions;

• l)

  to create Task Forces to carry out specific tasks or projects;

• m)

  to report to the Conference on the work of the Management Board.

1

The Conference shall elect a Secretary General who shall serve in that capacity for a period of two years.

2

The Secretary General shall:

• a)

  assist, advise and serve as secretary to the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs, the Conference and the Management Board in the performance of their respective duties, including preparation of the minutes of the meetings;

• b)

  propose and recommend actions, plans and initiatives to the Management Board;

• c)

  represent the Union at meetings, conferences and negotiations as directed by the Management Board;

• d)

  present the draft annual budget of the Union for submission to the Management Board;

• e)

  be in charge of the day to day running of the Secretariat;

• f)

  be in charge of the organizing of the meetings of the Management Board, together with the Chairman of the Management Board;

• g)

  be in charge of organizing the meetings of the Conference, together with the Chairman of the Management Board and the host country;

• h)

  be in charge of organizing the meetings of the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs together with the Chairman of the Management Board and the host country;

• i)

  prepare and report to the Management Board on the progress of the Task Forces assigned;

• j)

  be responsible for the effective management of the Secretariat.

3

If the Management Board considers that the Secretary General is unable to perform his duties or is prevented from discharging due to absence or illness (“in absentia”) the Management Board may take the necessary actions to ensure the continuity of the work of the Secretary General.

1

The Union’s Secretariat shall comprise a Secretary General and any other member of staff as the Conference and Management Board shall decide.

2

In the performance of their duties, the employees of the Secretariat shall seek and receive instructions only from the Secretary General.

3

The functions of the Secretariat shall be as follows:

• a)

  to handle the day-to-day affairs of the Union;

• b)

  to carry out assignments and missions entrusted to it by the Secretary General;

• c)

  to prepare the draft budget of the Union for submission to the Management Board;

• d)

  to undertake all other duties assigned to it by the Management Board.

1

The Secretary General shall inform the Member Countries of the positions and titles of officials employed by the Union to whom this article shall apply. From time to time the names of the officials shall be communicated to the Member Countries.

2

Officials employed by the Union shall enjoy immunity from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and all acts or omissions by them in the course of the performance of official duties. This immunity shall continue although the person concerned has ceased to be an official in the Union.

3

Officials employed by the Union who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country in question shall enjoy:

• a)

  immunity from national service obligations;

• b)

  exemption for themselves, members of their families and dependents forming part of their household from immigration restrictions and alien registration;

• c)

  the same facilities in respect of currency and exchange restrictions as are accorded to members of diplomatic missions of comparable rank.

1

The Union shall periodically review the location of its headquarters. The headquarters premises and buildings shall be inviolable and shall be exempt from search, requisition, confiscation or expropriation.

2

The property and assets of the Union shall not be the subject of any administrative or legal measure of constraint without the authorization of the Secretary General together with the Management Board.

3

The archives of the Union shall be inviolable.

1

The Union, its assets, revenues and other properties shall be exempt from all forms of direct taxes.

2

The Union shall be exempt from all customs duties, prohibitions and restrictions on imports and exports in respect of articles intended for its official use. Articles so imported shall not be disposed of, whether or not in return for payment, in the territory of the country into which they have been imported, except under conditions approved by the government of that country.

3

The Union shall not be subject to any financial controls, regulations or moratoria and shall be entitled:

• a)

  to purchase from authorized dealers, hold and make use of negotiable currencies;

• b)

  to operate foreign currency and external accounts;

• c)

  to purchase, through authorized dealers, hold and make use of funds and securities;

• d)

  to transfer its funds, securities and foreign currencies to or from the Member Countries and to convert any currency held by it into any other currency.

1

The competent authorities shall facilitate the Secretary General’s request for public services designed to ensure that the headquarters of the Union shall be supplied with the necessary public services, including electricity, water, post, telephone, telegraph, transportation and fire protection.

2

In case of any interruption or threatened interruption of any such services, the competent authorities, considering the importance of the needs of Headquarters premises, shall take steps to ensure that the work of the union is not prejudiced.

3

The competent authorities shall exercise reasonable care to ensure that the tranquility of the Headquarters is not disturbed by the unauthorized entry of any person or group of persons upon the premises.

1

English, French and Spanish shall be the official languages of the Union.

2

A member whose language is not English or French nor Spanish may provide for translation and interpretation at its own expense.

3

The working language within the Secretariat shall be English.

1

Within the Member Countries the Union shall enjoy, in respect of its official communications, treatment no less favorable than that accorded by Member Countries to diplomatic missions and other international organizations.

2

All official correspondence or other official communication of the Union shall be immune from censorship. Such immunity from censorship shall extend to printed matter, photographs, slides, films, and sound recordings, this list being subject to amplification.

3

The Union shall have the right to dispatch and receive correspondence whether by courier or in sealed bags which shall have the same immunities and privileges as diplomatic couriers and bags.

1

Members of the Union may submit proposals to the Conference for amendments of this Convention or the Regulations. Proposals must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the Conference. The Secretariat shall produce and distribute the proposals to members at least four weeks before the Conference.

2

Members of the Union may submit proposals of a general nature to the Conference or the Management Board. Proposals must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the meeting at which they are to be discussed. The Secretariat shall produce and distribute the proposals to members at least four weeks before such meeting.

3

A member may submit at short notice to the Conference or to the Management Board a proposal regarded as urgent provided that it has the support of three other members of the union.

4

Any such proposal and all other correspondence concerning matters of the Union must be addressed via the Secretariat.

1

Meetings of the Conference and the Management Board may deliberate validly only if at least one half of the members are represented at the session in question.

2

Amendments to this Convention must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Union.

3

Other decisions shall be taken by a majority of the members of the Union present and voting at the meeting.

4

The decisions of the Conference and the Management Board shall be published by the Secretariat in accordance with their instructions given to the Secretary General.

1

Based upon the strategy set out by the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs, the Conference shall fix the maximum amount of the Union’s expenditure and the principles governing the expenditure for each year up to and including that of the next ordinary meeting of the Conference.

2

Contributions to the Union shall be assessed in US$ (United States dollars) but may be paid in any convertible currency.

3

For the purposes of meeting the expenses of the Union, members shall pay an annual contribution of a sum agreed by the Conference.

4

If the limits approved by the Conference prove to be insufficient to ensure the satisfactory operation of the Union, these limits may be exceeded after consultation with the full membership and the prior approval of the Management Board.

5

Members shall pay their contributions to the Union’s expenditure in advance or in two installments. The contributions shall be paid to the Secretariat not later than the first day of January and the first day of July of the financial year to which they relate. After that date, the amounts shall be chargeable with interest in favor of the Union at the rate of 5% per annum.

6

Member Countries whose total contributions are more than two years in arrears shall forfeit the right to vote until such time as they have liquidated their debts or until such time as they have entered into a debt repayment plan with the Secretariat.

7

A reserve fund maintained by budget surplus and voluntary contributions shall be established to provide against temporary shortfalls in financing or to meet special contingencies, as decided by the Management Board.

8

The Union’s financial year shall be a calendar year.

1

Provisions for implementing this Convention and provisions governing the operation of the Conference and the Management Board shall be contained in the Detailed Regulations, prepared by the Secretary General in consultation with members and approved by the Conference.

2

The Detailed Regulations form an integral part of this Convention.

3

To the extent that the Detailed Regulations are inconsistent with any provision of this Convention, the interpretation as set forth in the Convention shall prevail.

1

Any member may withdraw from the Union by denouncing this Convention by letter addressed to the Secretary General of the union. The Secretary General shall immediately inform the other members of the Union of receipt of the letter of denunciation.

2

Withdrawal shall become effective one year after the day of which the notice of denunciation provided for in paragraph 1 has been received by the Secretary General of the Union, subject to the member having at that time fulfilled all financial obligations arising out of its membership.

1

Membership of the Union shall be open to all the founding countries and territories of the Union as well as all Caribbean countries and territories vide paragraph 1, Article 4 of the Convention.

2

Governments of other interested countries or territories shall send notice of application for admission accompanied by a formal declaration of intention to accept the obligations of the Convention to the Secretary General, who shall notify the other members of their receipt.

3

Applications for admission to the Union must be approved by a minimum of two-thirds of its member countries not later than one year after submission of notice of application for admission to the Secretary General.

4

Member countries failing to respond within four months from the date of notification of an application for admission shall be deemed to have given their approval.

5

The Secretary General shall notify the governments of all member countries of the accession or admission of new members.

6

Applicant countries shall be notified by the Secretary General of the decision taken on their application and, if admitted, of the effective date of their admission and other relevant information not later than 3 months after approval.

1

Member countries that have not signed the Convention and other binding provisions adopted by the Conference shall accede to them as quickly as possible.

2

Instruments of accession referring to the circumstances contemplated in Article 4 of the Convention shall be sent to the Secretary General who shall notify member countries of their receipt.

1

Any member country may withdraw from the Union by denouncing the Convention in a written notice to the Secretariat, conveyed by the latter to the governments of other member countries, vide Article 25 of the Convention.

2

Withdrawal from the Union shall become effective one year from the date of receipt by the Secretariat of the notice of denunciation as mentioned in paragraph 1.

3

Member countries withdrawing from the Union must continue to fulfill their obligations under the Convention, until the effective date of their withdrawal.

1

The Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs (hereafter called “the Council”) shall meet once a year in the country of the Minister that is presiding the Council or at a location decided by the majority of the members of the Council. The Council is however authorized to organize extra-ordinary meetings if the majority so requires.

2

The Council consists out of the Ministers in charge of Postal Affairs (hereafter called “the Minister”) of the Member countries of the CPU or their representatives. The Meeting is presided by the Minister of the member country that has been designated by the Conference as the host country for that particular year. Other representatives of the countries, consultants and representatives of the UPU and other Regional Unions can attend the meetings of the Council as observers, such to be decided by the Council.

3

Each member country shall bear all its own costs for the attendance of its Minister and/or delegates to the Council.

4

The Secretariat of the Council shall be managed by the Secretary General. For this purpose he is authorized to use the infrastructure and resources of the Secretariat. The Secretariat is responsible for the calling of the meetings and all registry matters connected thereto as well as for the proper recording of the minutes and the decisions and resolutions taken. The Secretary General submits the minutes of their meeting, a list of resolutions adopted and the established policies to the Management Board of the CPU not later than two months before the date of the next Conference.

5

Each minister is authorized to appoint a representative to participate in the meeting on his behalf. Such representative must submit to the Council an appropriate proxy provided by the Government of his Country showing that he is duly authorized and sufficiently empowered to negotiate on behalf of and to commit his country in accordance with this countries constitutional laws and regulations.

6

The host country shall see to it that all Ministers and their accompanying officials or representatives shall enjoy immunity from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and all acts done by them in the course of the performance of their official duties. This immunity shall continue although the person concerned has ceased to be an official of that particular country.

7

The task of the Council is stipulated in Article 7 paragraph 1 of the Convention. In the execution of this task the Council is guided by its obligation to seek the best mutual interest of the member countries with regard to postal and logistic matters. Each Minister takes upon him to as much as possible reflect the decisions taken by the Council in the national policies of their respective countries.

8

Resolutions are adopted by an absolute majority of Ministers during the Council. Each Minister is entitled to one vote.

9

The Council sets its own procedures.

10

The Council may constitute Task Forces or Committees for specific tasks with specific mandates.

11

The country designated to organize the meeting of the Council shall fix its date and venue. The Secretary General shall send an invitation to the Government of each member country of the Union at least six months before the date of the meeting.

12

In cases where a Council cannot be held in the designated host country, the Secretary General shall take necessary emergency action to seek out a country willing to host the Council.

13

The Secretary General shall follow the procedure established in paragraph 12 above, if by the end of a given Council, no country has offered to host the following Council.

14

In cases where a Council must be held despite the absence of a host Government, the Secretary General shall make the necessary arrangements to call and conduct the Council in the country in which the Union has its headquarters in agreement with the Management Board and the government.

1

The meeting place of an extra-ordinary Council shall be fixed after consulting with the Secretary General.

1

The Conference is attended by the Postmasters General of the member countries or an official duly appointed by his government. Before being admitted to participate in the Conference each delegation consisting of the Postmaster General and optional co-delegates should submit credentials to the Conference containing their proxy to act on behalf of his Government and containing authorization and empowerment to take binding decisions on behalf of his Government. The requirements for the credentials are stipulated in Article 13.

2

It will be the task of the Conference to execute the functions as stated in Article 9 of the Convention.

1

The Conference designates the member country that will organize the meeting of the Conference as well as the date and venue.

2

The Postmaster General of the host country shall send an invitation to the Postmaster General of each member country and a notification on the meeting of the Conference to the respective Governments. The invitation and the notification shall be sent not later than six months before the date of the meeting.

3

In cases where a Conference cannot be held in the designated host country, the Secretary General shall take necessary emergency action to seek out a country willing to host the Conference, submitting the result of its efforts to the Management Board.

4

The Secretariat shall follow the procedure established in paragraph 3 above, if by the end of a given Conference, no member country has offered to host the following Conference.

5

In cases where a Conference must be held despite the absence of a host government, the Secretariat shall make the necessary arrangements to call and conduct the Conference in the country in which the Union has its headquarters in agreement with the Management Board and the government in which case the Secretariat shall discharge the functions of the host government.

1

The meeting place of an extra-ordinary Conference shall be fixed after consulting with the Secretary General.

2

Paragraphs 1 to 3 of Article 7 shall be applicable by analogy to the extra-ordinary Conference.

1

The decisions of the Conference shall apply to all member countries. Member countries that are unable to adopt a decision of the Conference must immediately inform the Secretary General of the fact and state the reasons therefore.

2

The meeting of the Conference is presided by the Postmaster General of the host country. In case this Postmaster is not able to perform this duty, he will submit a proposal to the Conference for his replacement. The Conference will adopt this proposal in case there are no ponderous arguments against the proposed candidate.

3

Each member country shall have one vote in the meeting of the Conference.

4

Any member country may be represented by another member country at meetings of the Conference, provided that a duly signed governmental proxy is submitted thereto. A member country shall not represent more than one member country in addition to itself.

5

The Conference may regulate its own procedure. Each delegation to the Conference will bear its own costs for participation.

1

The Management Board comprising the Postmasters General of seven member countries inclusive of the host country of the Conference shall be established to ensure the continuity of the Union’s work and administration of the Union’s affairs during the period between Conferences. The Management Board shall be elected by the Conference and shall hold office for a period of two years.

2

The Management Board shall meet at least twice a year in the country designated under paragraph 4, Article 10 of the Convention or in the country of such other member as the Council may decide.

3

Besides the annual meeting extra-ordinary meetings may be convened, or the annual session of the Management Board may be cancelled, if two-thirds of the member countries of the Management Board decide so.

4

The Management Board shall elect its Chairman from among its members. The Secretary General provides assistance to the Management Board in all recording and secretarial matters.

5

The member countries of the Management Board bear their own costs for the attendance of the meetings of the Management Board.

1

The functions of the Board are stipulated in Article 12, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

1

A delegation is defined as the person or group of persons designated by a member country to represent it at the Conference and shall consist of a head of delegation, a deputy head of delegation where necessary, one or more delegates and one or more attached officials if applicable.

2

Countries unable to attend the Conference may arrange to be represented by another delegation. Likewise, countries present at the conference but unable to attend a particular session may arrange to be represented by another delegation. The Chairman shall be advised of the decisions made in either of these circumstances, bearing in mind that no member country may represent more than one other country.

1

All delegates must bear credentials signed by the Head of Government, the Minister in charge of postal affairs or the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Country in question.

2

Delegate credentials must be drawn up in due and proper form. Delegates whose credentials meet one of the following criteria shall be considered plenipotentiary representatives:

• –

  they confer full powers,

• –

  they grant the delegate the authority to represent his/her government without restrictions,

• –

  they grant the delegate the necessary power to sign Union Acts.

3

All three criteria as mentioned in paragraph two implicitly include the power to take part in debates and to vote. Delegates whose credentials fail to meet the criteria above shall be entitled only to take part in debates.

4

All credentials shall be deposited with the authority specifically designated for this purpose at the opening of the Conference.

5

Only original, duly conferred credentials and proxies shall be admissible. However, faxes or messages sent via any other written telecommunications medium in response to request for information on delegate credentials shall be accepted.

1

The Conference Chairman shall open the meetings, confirm the attendance of members, lead debates, recognize speakers in the order they speak, put matters which cannot be decided by unanimous consent to a vote, rule on procedural questions arising in the course of the debates and close the Conference.

2

The Conference Chairman shall consign Acts, Resolutions and Recommendations adopted by the Conference with the Secretary General.

3

In his absence, the Chairman shall be replaced by the Vice-Chairman.

1

Speakers must confine themselves to the pending issue, limiting their speeches to a maximum of five minutes, except as to otherwise agreed by a simple majority of members present and entitled to vote.

2

The Conference Chairman may:

• –

  limit the number of speeches by a single delegation on a particular proposal or group of proposals,

• –

  limit the number of speeches by different delegations on a particular proposal or group of proposals to a fixed number in favor or against the pending issue,

• –

  declare the list of speakers closed after reading it aloud, subject to the right of the delegation presenting the proposal to respond to speeches by other delegations.

1

The functions and powers of the Secretary General shall be those expressly vested in him by the Convention establishing the Union, those deriving from the tasks assigned to the Secretariat and those conferred upon him by decisions of the competent bodies of the Union.

2

The Secretary General shall be the legal representative of the Union.

3

Both the Secretary General and the Technical Officer shall attend the meetings of bodies of the Union and take part in discussions without the right to vote.

4

The Secretary General shall prepare the provisional agenda and make necessary arrangements for meetings of the Union.

5

At all time the Secretary General shall furnish to the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs, the Conference, the Management Board and the postal administrations on the Union, any information required on questions relating to the postal service of the region.

1

The following formalities shall be observed in electing the Secretary General:

• –

  candidates for this position must be nominated by member governments,

• –

  member governments shall formally present their candidates to the Government of the country hosting Conference, three months prior to the scheduled date of the Conference, accompanied by corresponding curricula vitae,

• –

  the Secretary General shall be elected by the Conference; the minimum duration of his or her term of office shall be two years and that term of office shall be renewable for one year; the date on which he or she takes office shall be fixed by the Conference,

• –

  any Secretary General wishing to run for re-election shall present his or her candidacy by this same deadline to the Government of the country hosting Conference, accompanied by a curriculum vitae.

1

The country hosting the Conference, shall forward the list of candidates and their corresponding curricula vitae to the Governments of other member countries at least one month prior to the scheduled date of the Conference and shall arrange for this same information to be sent to the Secretariat.

2

The Secretary General shall be elected by secret ballot, by a simple majority of members present and entitled to vote.

1

To facilitate the operations of the Union and the Secretariat, the government of the Union Headquarter shall:

• –

  grant the privileges and immunities in accordance with Article 15 of the Convention,

• –

  take any and all other necessary measures to enable the Secretariat to discharge its responsibilities, and the Union to attain its purpose,

• –

  facilitate the entry and sojourn in, and exit from the Headquarters Country of any official of the Union to perform official business related to the Union.

2

The provisions of this paragraph shall also apply to spouses and immediate dependants living with or visiting the official referred to in the preceding paragraph.

1

Amendments to these Detailed Regulations must be submitted in writing to the Secretary General with a covering letter requesting submission to the Conference for its approval. The Secretary-General sees to it that the proposal containing the draft-amendments is sent to all postmasters-General of the member countries and put on the agenda of the next Conference Meeting. During that meeting the amendments are adopted if approved by two-thirds majority of votes cast.

2

Proposals submitted by the deadline set out in the Convention shall serve as the basis for the Conference debates. Proposals presented after this deadline must be supported by a minimum of three other administrations and must be received at least forty eight hours prior to the opening of the Conference.

3

In principle all proposals shall have a single objective and shall be limited solely to amendments justified by that objective.

4

However, amendments may be introduced verbally or in writing at any time during the discussion of a particular issue.

1

Issues which cannot be resolved by unanimous consent shall be put to a vote which, to be valid, shall require the presence or representation of two thirds of all members.

2

Voting shall be:

• –

  by show of hands, or

• –

  by roll-call at the request of a member or if the Chairman so desires, or

• –

  by secret ballot at the request of at least two members, in which case measures shall be taken to ensure that this procedure is properly carried out.

1

The Secretariat shall present the Management Board with an itemized budget for the following year, along with a statement of expenditure for the previous year and an auditors report, certifying the books of the Union over the previous year.

2

The books of the Union will be administered in USD.

3

Members shall initiate payment of contribution in accordance with Article 23, paragraph 5, of the Convention.

4

The Secretariat shall issue invoices to remind members of their contribution obligations.

5

In the event of arrears, the Secretariat will inform members of the interest due.

6

Interest will be calculated separately for each particular year, in arrear.

1

Hierbij herbevestigen de Verdragsluitende Partijen de oprichting van de Caraïbische Postunie.

2

Het doel van de CPU is:

• a.

  beter tegemoetkomen aan de behoeften van de klanten met betrekking tot alle soorten postale voorzieningen;

• b.

  het bevorderen van de verbetering en van de veiligheid van postale diensten;

• c.

  het coördineren van postale opleidingen en operationele postale diensten; en

• d.

  het bevorderen van de internationale samenwerking op postgebied in de geest en bij de naleving van de Akten van de Wereldpostunie;

• e.

  het verrichten van andere door de Conferentie goedgekeurde activiteiten gericht op de ontwikkeling van postdiensten en de duurzaamheid van de CPU.

3

De Unie moet worden beschouwd als een Beperkte Unie van de Wereldpostunie zoals bedoeld in artikel 8 van de Constitutie van de Wereldpostunie.

1

De Unie heeft volledige handelingsbevoegdheid.

2

Elk lid kent op zijn grondgebied aan de Unie de meest uitgebreide handelingsbevoegdheid toe welke krachtens de gemeentelijke wetgeving aan rechtspersonen wordt verleend. Bij elk rechtsgeding wordt de Unie vertegenwoordigd door de Secretaris-Generaal van de Unie.

1

Het lidmaatschap van de Unie staat open voor alle landen en grondgebieden die de Unie hebben opgericht alsmede alle Caraïbische landen en grondgebieden.

2

Elk van deze landen of grondgebieden kan te allen tijde zijn toetreding tot dit Verdrag bekendmaken door middel van een kennisgeving aan de Secretaris-Generaal van de Unie. Zij ondertekenen en bekrachtigen het Verdrag vervolgens bij de eerste gelegenheid daartoe.

3

Elk ander land kan, door middel van een aanvraag overeenkomstig het vierde lid van dit artikel, Partij worden bij de Unie onder de door de Conferentie vast te stellen voorwaarden en bedingen.

4

Aanvragen voor toelating als lid van de Unie dienen aan de Secretaris-Generaal van de Unie te worden gericht en vergezeld te gaan van een formele intentieverklaring waarin de verplichtingen van dit Verdrag worden aanvaard.

5

De Secretaris-Generaal van de Unie raadpleegt zo spoedig mogelijk alle leden over de door hem ontvangen aanvragen voor lidmaatschap. Een land wordt als lid tot de Unie toegelaten indien zijn aanvraag voor toelating is goedgekeurd door twee derde van de leden van de Unie. Van de toelating wordt vervolgens door het Secretariaat van de Unie mededeling gedaan aan de leden van de Unie, en de toelating wordt van kracht op een door het nieuwe lid en de Secretaris-Generaal overeengekomen datum.

1

De Unie nodigt de Wereldpostunie uit haar vergaderingen als waarnemer bij te wonen.

2

Andere Beperkte Postunies, postdiensten die geen lid zijn van de Unie, en regionale of internationale lichamen, landen of grondgebieden, of andere organisaties wier activiteiten van belang zijn voor de Unie, kunnen op besluit van de Voorzitter van de betrokken vergadering worden uitgenodigd de vergaderingen van de Unie als waarnemer bij te wonen.

3

Waarnemers hebben bij de vergaderingen van de Unie geen stemrecht.

1

De Caraïbische Raad van ministers voor Postzaken is verantwoordelijk voor de ontwikkeling van langetermijnstrategieën en -beleid met betrekking tot postzaken en de toekomst van de postindustrie binnen het Caraïbisch gebied, en delegeert de uitvoering van deze strategieën en dit beleid aan de Conferentie.

2

De leden van deze Raad zijn de ministers die in de lidstaten van de CPU belast zijn met postzaken, of hun vertegenwoordigers, en moeten overeenkomstig hun constitutionele procedures naar behoren zijn gemachtigd en voldoende bevoegdheden hebben om te onderhandelen en verplichtingen aan te gaan namens hun respectieve landen.

3

De leden van de Caraïbische Raad van ministers voor Postzaken dragen er zorg voor dat er voldoende middelen beschikbaar zijn om het beleid van hun respectieve landen in de CPU op te nemen en verplichten zich ertoe de uitvoering van de CPU-processen en -besluiten in hun landen te vergemakkelijken.

4

De Secretaris-Generaal treedt eveneens op als secretaris voor deze Raad.

5

Deze Raad komt in beginsel jaarlijks bijeen.

1

De Conferentie draagt zorg voor de continuïteit van de Unie en vervult de in artikel 9 genoemde functies.

2

De Conferentie bestaat uit de Directeuren der Posterijen van de lidstaten of grondgebieden, of hun vertegenwoordigers, die overeenkomstig hun constitutionele procedures naar behoren moeten zijn gemachtigd om te onderhandelen en verplichtingen aan te gaan namens hun respectieve landen.

3

De Conferentie richt zich bij de vaststelling van de data van haar vergaderingen naar de vergaderingen van de Wereldpostunie. Normaliter komt de Conferentie eenmaal per jaar bijeen in de periode mei-juni. Daarnaast kan de Conferentie op verzoek van twee derde van de leden van de Unie in een buitengewone vergadering bijeenkomen.

1

De taken van de Conferentie zijn:

• a.

  het uitvoeren van de strategieën en het beleid als aangenomen door de Caraïbische Raad van ministers voor Postzaken;

• b.

  het formuleren, adviseren over en opstellen van beleid dat door de Caraïbische Raad van ministers voor Postzaken wordt vastgesteld;

• c.

  het verkiezen van de Secretaris-Generaal en het vaststellen van de hoogte van zijn of haar vergoeding;

• d.

  het verkiezen van de leden van de Raad van Beheer;

• e.

  het vaststellen van prioriteiten, het in ontvangst nemen van rapporten en het aandragen van onderwerpen bij de Raad van Beheer als vermeld in dit lid;

• f.

  het aannemen van wijzigingen van dit Verdrag;

• g.

  het aannemen en wijzigen van bijzondere overeenkomsten inzake de oprichting en het functioneren van postale diensten en het verschaffen van diensten aan het publiek;

• h.

  het formuleren van algemeen beleid met betrekking tot postale diensten, wetgeving en technische samenwerking;

• i.

  het vaststellen van het aantal permanente personeelsleden van het Secretariaat;

• j.

  het vaststellen van het maximum van de uitgaven van de Unie en van de beginselen die op de uitgaven van toepassing zijn;

• k.

  het nemen van besluiten met betrekking tot alle door leden van de Unie overeenkomstig artikel 21 van dit Verdrag aan haar voorgelegde zaken van algemeen belang;

• l.

  het namens de Unie aangaan van overeenkomsten;

• m.

  het op aanbeveling van de Raad van Beheer benoemen van een accountant;

• n.

  het goedkeuren van de begroting van de Unie.

2

De Conferentie kan de Raad van Beheer taken opdragen.

1

De besluiten van de Conferentie zijn van toepassing op alle leden. De leden die een besluit van de Conferentie niet kunnen aannemen, moeten de Secretaris-Generaal hiervan onverwijld en met opgaaf van redenen op de hoogte stellen.

2

Elk lid heeft één stem in de Conferentie.

3

Een lid kan bij een vergadering van de Conferentie worden vertegenwoordigd door een ander lid, met dien verstande dat een lid, behalve zichzelf, niet meer dan één ander lid mag vertegenwoordigen.

4

De Conferentie wijst het land aan waarin haar volgende vergadering zal worden gehouden.

5

De Conferentie stelt haar eigen reglement van orde op.

1

De Raad van Beheer, met de vertegenwoordigers van zeven lidstaten, wordt ingesteld ter waarborging van de continuïteit van de werkzaamheden en van het beheer van de zaken van de Unie gedurende de periode tussen de vergaderingen van de Conferentie.

2

De Raad van Beheer wordt verkozen door de Conferentie en vervult zijn functie voor een periode van twee jaar.

3

De Raad van Beheer komt ten minste twee maal per jaar bijeen.

4

De Raad van Beheer kan buitengewone vergaderingen bijeenroepen, of een zitting van de Raad van Beheer kan worden geannuleerd indien twee derde van de leden daartoe besluit.

5

De Raad van Beheer verkiest zijn Voorzitter uit zijn leden.

1

De taken van de Raad van Beheer zijn:

• a.

  het uitvoeren van de door de Conferentie aan hem opgedragen taken;

• b.

  het jaarlijkse activiteitenplan van de Unie ter goedkeuring aan de Conferentie voorleggen;

• c.

  het voorbereiden van de vergaderingen van de Caraïbische Raad van ministers voor Postzaken en de Conferentie, in samenspraak met het gastland en de Secretaris-Generaal;

• d.

  het treffen van de nodige maatregelen voor de uitvoering van bepaalde door de Conferentie genomen beginselbesluiten;

• e.

  het overeenkomstig de door de Conferentie gegeven richtlijnen treffen van passende maatregelen voor het waarborgen van efficiëntie;

• f.

  het samenwerken met daarvoor in aanmerking komende organisaties en lichamen bij de bevordering van technische samenwerking en in het bijzonder bij de uitvoering van regionale projecten;

• g.

  het beoordelen van de ontwerpbegroting van de Unie, het doen van aanbevelingen aan de Conferentie en het monitoren van de begrotingssituatie in de loop van het jaar;

• h.

  het vaststellen van de salarissen die aan de personeelsleden van het Secretariaat moeten worden betaald;

• i.

  het creëren van tijdelijke functies binnen het Secretariaat en het voor de volgende vergadering van de Conferentie doen van aanbevelingen met betrekking tot permanente functies binnen het Secretariaat;

• j.

  het waarborgen van een goede accountantscontrole van de rekeningen van de Unie;

• k.

  het naar eigen goeddunken instellen van comités en werkgroepen en de werkmethoden hanteren die hij nodig acht voor de uitvoering van zijn taken;

• l.

  het instellen van task forces om specifieke functies of projecten uit te voeren;

• m.

  het uitbrengen van verslag aan de Conferentie inzake de werkzaamheden van de Raad van Beheer.

1

De Conferentie verkiest een Secretaris-Generaal die in die hoedanigheid voor een periode van twee jaar zijn functie vervult.

2

De Secretaris-Generaal:

• a.

  assisteert, adviseert en treedt op als secretaris voor de Caraïbische Raad van ministers voor Postzaken, de Conferentie en de Raad van Beheer bij de uitoefening van hun respectieve taken, met inbegrip van de opstelling van de notulen van de vergaderingen;

• b.

  doet voorstellen en aanbevelingen voor maatregelen, plannen en initiatieven aan de Raad van Beheer;

• c.

  vertegenwoordigt de Unie, op aanwijzing van de Raad van Beheer, bij vergaderingen, conferenties en onderhandelingen;

• d.

  legt de jaarlijkse ontwerpbegroting van de Unie aan de Raad van Beheer voor;

• e.

  is belast met de dagelijkse leiding van het Secretariaat;

• f.

  is, tezamen met de Voorzitter van de Raad van Beheer, belast met de organisatie van de vergaderingen van de Raad van Beheer;

• g.

  is, tezamen met de Voorzitter van de Raad van Beheer en het gastland, belast met de organisatie van de vergaderingen van de Conferentie;

• h.

  is, tezamen met de Voorzitter van de Raad van Beheer en het gastland, belast met de organisatie van de vergaderingen van de Caraïbische Raad van ministers voor Postzaken;

• i.

  stelt voortgangsrapportages van de aangewezen task forces op en brengt hiervan verslag uit aan de Raad van Beheer;

• j.

  is verantwoordelijk voor de doelmatige leiding van het Secretariaat.

3

Indien de Raad van Beheer van oordeel is dat de Secretaris-Generaal niet in staat is zijn taken te vervullen of deze niet kan uitvoeren als gevolg van afwezigheid of ziekte („in absentia”), kan de Raad van Beheer de nodige maatregelen nemen om de continuïteit van de werkzaamheden van de Secretaris-Generaal te waarborgen.

1

Het Secretariaat van de Unie bestaat uit een Secretaris-Generaal en andere personeelsleden waartoe de Conferentie en de Raad van Beheer besluiten.

2

Het personeel van het Secretariaat vraagt en verkrijgt bij de uitvoering van zijn taken uitsluitend aanwijzingen van de Secretaris-Generaal.

3

De taken van het Secretariaat zijn:

• a.

  het zorgen voor de dagelijkse gang van zaken van de Unie;

• b.

  het uitvoeren van opdrachten en missies die door de Secretaris-Generaal worden opgedragen;

• c.

  het opstellen van de ontwerpbegroting van de Unie ter voorlegging aan de Raad van Beheer;

• d.

  het verrichten van alle andere door de Raad van Beheer opgedragen taken.

1

De Secretaris-Generaal stelt de lidstaten in kennis van de posities en titels van door de Unie te werk gestelde functionarissen op wie dit artikel van toepassing is. De namen van de functionarissen worden op gezette tijden aan de lidstaten medegedeeld.

2

Door de Unie te werk gestelde functionarissen genieten immuniteit van rechtsvervolging met betrekking tot door hen gesproken of geschreven woorden en al hetgeen zij bij de uitoefening van hun officiële functie verrichten of nalaten. Deze immuniteit blijft ook gelden wanneer de betrokkene geen functionaris van de Unie meer is.

3

Door de Unie te werk gestelde functionarissen die geen onderdaan of permanent ingezetene zijn van het desbetreffende land, genieten:

• a.

  vrijstelling van verplichtingen met betrekking tot militaire dienst;

• b.

  vrijstelling voor henzelf, hun gezinsleden en voor de personen te hunnen laste die deel uitmaken van hun huishouden, van inreisbeperkingen en registratieverplichtingen voor vreemdelingen;

• c.

  dezelfde faciliteiten met betrekking tot valuta- en wisselbeperkingen als die welke worden toegekend aan leden van diplomatieke zendingen met vergelijkbare rang.

1

De Unie neemt de locatie van de zetel periodiek in heroverweging. De terreinen en gebouwen van de zetel zijn onschendbaar en worden gevrijwaard tegen onderzoek, vordering, confiscatie of onteigening.

2

Op de eigendommen en activa van de Unie kunnen zonder de gezamenlijke toestemming van de Secretaris-Generaal en de Raad van Beheer geen bestuursrechtelijke of wettelijke dwangmaatregelen worden toegepast.

3

De archieven van de Unie zijn onschendbaar.

1

De Unie, haar activa, inkomsten en andere eigendommen zijn vrijgesteld van alle vormen van directe belastingen.

2

De Unie is vrijgesteld van alle douaneheffingen, verboden en beperkingen met betrekking tot de invoer en uitvoer van goederen voor officieel gebruik. Van de aldus ingevoerde goederen wordt op het grondgebied van het land waar zij zijn ingevoerd uitsluitend afstand gedaan, al dan niet tegen betaling, onder door de regering van dat land goedgekeurde voorwaarden.

3

De Unie is niet onderworpen aan financiële controles, regelingen, of moratoria van enigerlei aard en is gerechtigd:

• a.

  van bevoegde handelaars verhandelbare valuta’s te kopen, deze te bezitten en te gebruiken;

• b.

  rekeningen in buitenlandse valuta en buitenlandse rekeningen aan te houden;

• c.

  via bevoegde handelaars fondsen en waardepapieren te kopen, te bezitten en te gebruiken;

• d.

  haar fondsen, waardepapieren en buitenlandse valuta’s over te brengen naar of uit de lidstaten en valuta’s die zij bezit om te wisselen in welke andere valuta ook.

1

Op verzoek daartoe door de Secretaris-Generaal verlenen de bevoegde autoriteiten hun medewerking om te waarborgen dat de zetel van de Unie de beschikking krijgt over de nodige openbare voorzieningen, waaronder elektriciteit, water, post, telefoon, telegraaf, vervoer en bescherming bij brand.

2

In geval van onderbreking of dreiging van onderbreking van dergelijke openbare voorzieningen, treffen de bevoegde autoriteiten, gezien het belang van de voorzieningen die de zetel behoeft, maatregelen om te waarborgen dat de werkzaamheden van de Unie niet nadelig worden beïnvloed.

3

De bevoegde autoriteiten zorgen er naar redelijkheid voor dat gewaarborgd wordt dat de rust van de zetel niet wordt verstoord doordat een persoon of groep personen zich onbevoegd toegang tot de zetel verschaft.

1

Het Engels, het Frans en het Spaans zijn de officiële talen van de Unie.

2

Een lid waarvan de taal Engels, Frans noch Spaans is, kan op eigen kosten zorg dragen voor tolk- en vertaaldiensten.

3

De werktaal binnen het Secretariaat is het Engels.

1

De Unie geniet binnen de lidstaten, wat haar officiële communicatie betreft, een niet minder gunstige behandeling dan die welke door de lidstaten wordt toegekend aan diplomatieke missies of andere internationale organisaties.

2

Alle officiële correspondentie en andere officiële communicatie van de Unie zijn vrij van censuur. Deze vrijwaring van censuur strekt zich ook uit tot drukwerk, foto’s, dia’s, films en geluidsopnamen; deze lijst kan worden uitgebreid.

3

De Unie heeft het recht correspondentie te verzenden en te ontvangen per koerier of in verzegelde zakken, ten aanzien waarvan dezelfde voorrechten en immuniteiten gelden als voor diplomatieke koeriers en zakken.

1

Leden van de Unie kunnen bij de Conferentie voorstellen indienen voor wijziging van dit Verdrag of de Voorschriften. Voorstellen moeten ten minste zes weken voor de Conferentie worden ingediend. Het Secretariaat maakt afschriften van de voorstellen en zendt deze ten minste vier weken voor de Conferentie toe aan de leden.

2

Leden van de Unie kunnen bij de Conferentie of de Raad van Beheer voorstellen van algemene aard indienen. Voorstellen moeten ten minste zes weken voor de vergadering waarin deze worden besproken, worden ingediend. Het Secretariaat maakt afschriften van de voorstellen en zendt deze ten minste vier weken voor deze vergadering toe aan de leden.

3

Een lid kan op korte termijn een als urgent beschouwd voorstel bij de Conferentie of de Raad van Beheer indienen, mits dit voorstel de steun heeft van drie andere leden van de Unie.

4

Dergelijke voorstellen en alle andere correspondentie betreffende aangelegenheden van de Unie moeten via het Secretariaat worden aangeboden.

1

Vergaderingen van de Conferentie en de Raad van Beheer zijn alleen rechtsgeldig indien ten minste de helft van de leden op de desbetreffende vergadering vertegenwoordigd is.

2

Wijzigingen van dit Verdrag moeten worden goedgekeurd door twee derde meerderheid van de leden van de Unie.

3

Overige besluiten worden genomen door een meerderheid van de leden van de Unie die op de vergadering aanwezig zijn en hun stem uitbrengen.

4

De besluiten van de Conferentie en de Raad van Beheer worden, conform de door hen aan de Secretaris-Generaal gegeven instructies, door het Secretariaat gepubliceerd.

1

Op basis van de door de Caraïbische Raad van ministers voor Postzaken vastgestelde strategie stelt de Conferentie het maximumbedrag van de uitgaven van de Unie vast en de beginselen die van toepassing zijn op de jaarlijkse uitgaven tot en met de volgende gewone vergadering van de Conferentie.

2

De contributie aan de Unie wordt berekend in US$ (Amerikaanse dollars), maar kan worden betaald in elke andere inwisselbare munteenheid.

3

Ter dekking van de uitgaven van de Unie betalen de leden een jaarlijkse contributie waarvan de hoogte door de Conferentie wordt overeengekomen.

4

Indien de door de Conferentie goedgekeurde limieten ontoereikend blijken voor het goed functioneren van de Unie, kunnen deze limieten na overleg met alle leden en na voorafgaande goedkeuring door de Raad van Beheer worden overschreden.

5

De leden betalen hun bijdrage aan de uitgaven van de Unie vooraf of in twee termijnen. De bijdragen moeten uiterlijk op 1 januari en op 1 juli van het boekjaar waarop zij betrekking hebben, aan het Secretariaat worden betaald. Na die datum kan het bedrag van de bijdragen worden verhoogd met een rente van vijf procent per jaar ten gunste van de Unie.

6

Lidstaten van wie de totale bijdragen meer dan twee jaar achterstallig zijn, verliezen hun stemrecht totdat zij hun schulden hebben voldaan of totdat zij met het Secretariaat een regeling voor de afbetaling van hun schuld hebben getroffen.

7

Een reservefonds wordt in het leven geroepen dat wordt gecreëerd uit begrotingsoverschotten en vrijwillige bijdragen om tijdelijke financieringstekorten op te vangen en om, ter bepaling door de Raad van Beheer, bijzondere, onvoorziene uitgaven het hoofd te bieden.

8

Het boekjaar van de Unie valt samen met het kalenderjaar.

1

Bepalingen voor de uitvoering van dit Verdrag en bepalingen voor het functioneren van de Conferentie en de Raad van Beheer worden neergelegd in de Gedetailleerde Voorschriften, die door de Secretaris-Generaal, in overleg met de leden, worden opgesteld en door de Conferentie worden goedgekeurd.

2

De Gedetailleerde Voorschriften vormen een integrerend onderdeel van dit Verdrag.

3

Voor zover de Gedetailleerde Voorschriften in strijd zijn met enige bepaling in dit Verdrag, is de uitlegging vervat in het Verdrag doorslaggevend.

1

Een lid kan zich uit de Unie terugtrekken door dit Verdrag op te zeggen door middel van een brief gericht aan de Secretaris-Generaal van de Unie. De Secretaris-Generaal brengt de andere leden van de Unie onverwijld van de ontvangst van de opzeggingsbrief op de hoogte.

2

De opzegging wordt van kracht een jaar na de datum waarop de in het eerste lid bedoelde kennisgeving van opzegging door de Secretaris-Generaal van de Unie is ontvangen, mits het lid op dat tijdstip aan alle uit zijn lidmaatschap voortvloeiende financiële verplichtingen heeft voldaan.