Bylaws

ARTICLE I – NAME
ARTICLE II – PHILOSOPHY
ARTICLE III – IDENTITY
Section 1 – Head office
Section 2 – Insignia
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Membership
Section 2 – Certificates of Membership
ARTICLE V – GENERAL MEETINGS
Section 1 – Annual General Meeting
Section 2 – Special General Meetings
Section 3- Quorum
ARTICLE VI – AFFAIRS OF THE COLLEGE
Section 1 – The Board of Directors
Section 2 – Committees
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
ARTICLE VIII – LEGAL
BY-LAW II OF THE CARIBBEAN COLLEGE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS
CHAPTER I – CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP, ELECTION & REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER II – SUB-CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 – CORPORATE
SECTION II – CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 11 HONORARY
SECTION III – NON RESIDENT
SECTION IV FELLOW
CHAPTER III – CONTINUING PROGRAMME OF POSTGRADUATE STUDY
SECTION I – GENERAL
SECTION II – ASSESSMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDY CREDITS
CHAPTER IV – DISCIPLINE
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
SECTION 5
CHAPTER V – DUES. ASSESSMENTS. FUNDS. APPROPRIATIONS
SECTION 1 – ANNUAL DUES
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
SECTION 5
SECTION 6
CHAPTER VI – ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
CHAPTER VII – THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
SECTION 5
SECTION 6
CHAPTER VIII – DUTIES AND TERMS OF OFFICE
SECTION 1 – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 2 – PRESIDENT
SECTION 3 – PRESIDENT-ELECT
SECTION 4 – THE VICE-PRESIDENTS
SECTION 5 THE HONORARY TREASURER
SECTION 6 – THE HONORARY SECRETARY
CHAPTER IX – APPOINTED OFFICERS
SECTION 1 – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHAPTER X – COLLEGE PUBLICATIONS
CHAPTER XI – REGIONAL MEMBERS
CHAPTER XII – STANDING COMMITTEES
SECTION 1
SECTION 2 – COMMITTEE ON ACCREDITATION
SECTION 3 .- COMMITTEE ON MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 4 – COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION/ EDUCATIONAL PROCESS
SECTION 5 – COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH
SECTION 6 – EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
SECTION 7 – FINANCE COMMITTEE
SECTION 8 – COMMITTEE ON BY-LAWS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS
SECTION 9 – COMMITTEE ON ARCHIVES AND LIBRARY
CHAPTER XIII – OTHER COMMITTEES
SECTION 1 – SPECIAL COMMITTEES
SECTION 2 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE
SECTION 3 – RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
CHAPTER XIV – RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER XV – SCIENTIFIC ASSEMBLIES
CHAPTER XVI – RULES OF ORDER
CHAPTER XVII – THE COLLEGE PRAYER
CHAPTER XVIII – THE CODE OF ETHICS
CHAPTER XVIII – THE CODE OF ETHICS
CHAPTER XVIII

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ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this Corporation (hereinafter called “the College”) shall be “The Caribbean College of Family Physicians.”Back to Top

ARTICLE II – PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the College underscores the belief that Family Physicians in the Caribbean have an important role to play in addressing the health problems of the region.The College further underscores the belief that, effective action against health problemscan only be taken if the physicians constantly seek to upgrade their knowledge, attitudesand skills. Given that there is little compulsion for physicians after graduation to continueto keep up to date in the ever changing field of medicine, the College believes its roleshould be to encourage and motivate physicians in the pursuit of excellence through the process of continuing medical education.The College advocates the team approach to health care delivery and believes that regional cooperation and collaboration in training and research will contribute to effectively improve the health of the people of the region.

Objectives

The objectives of the College shall be as follows: –

  1. To sustain and improve the professional qualifications of members of the medical profession who are engaged in family practice in the Caribbean through Continuing Medical Education;
  2. To promote high standards in family medicine in the region in cooperation with national and international associations;
  3. To inform the general public of the role and value of Family Medicine;
  4. To encourage and assist in the provision of a high standard of teaching and training for undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in Family Medicine;
  5. To conduct, direct, encourage, support or provide for research in Family Medicine and allied health categories;
  6. To publish and encourage publication of journals, reports, and treatises in Family Medicine and allied health categories;
  7. To establish a register of members of the College and to publish and revise the same from time to time;
  8. To undertake all such lawful acts and things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the foregoing objectives

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ARTICLE III – IDENTITY

 

Section 1 – Head office

P.O. BOX 34, Kingston 7, Jamaica WI

Section 2 – Insignia

  1. Seal of Office: The Crest, in the form of the Seal shall be in the custody of the Secretary and shall be affixed by him/her to such documents as the College, the Executive, the Board of Directors or the President shall direct.
  2. Motto: Cooperating for Excellence
  3. Crest: Background of gold with horizontal purple band
  4. Colours: Gold, purple and white
  5. Robes of office: Gold yoke with purple facings and white trimming
  6. A chain of Office:
  7. A prayer: (Prayer of Maimonides)
  8. A code of ethics:

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ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

 

 

 

Section 1 – Membership

Anyone licensed to practice medicine in the jurisdiction in which he/she resides and who possesses the qualifications set up by the by-laws of the College and no other, may be admitted to membership by the College. An honorary membership may be conferred by the College upon anyone who has made an outstanding contribution to the general practice of medicine. The College shall by by-law provide for various classes of membership.

Section 2 – Certificates of Membership

Certificates of membership shall be printed in English in such form as may be determined by the Board of Directors. They shall be signed by the President and the Honorary Secretary. Title to each certificate shall remain at all times with the College.

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ARTICLE V – GENERAL MEETINGS

 

 

Section 1 – Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the College shall be held between May and July of each year, in default of which the time and place shall be fixed by the Board of Directors. An Annual General Meeting shall be held in each calendar year.Members of the College in good standing attending the annual general meeting shall register. The President of the College shall act as Presiding Officer, failing whom the President-Elect shall act. The proceedings of the annual general meeting shall be conducted pursuant to the by-laws.

 

Section 2 – Special General Meetings

Special General Meetings of the College shall be called by the President in accordance with the by-laws of the College.

 

Section 3- Quorum

The Quorum of an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting shall be 10% of the membership or not less than 20 members whichever is greater.Back to Top

ARTICLE VI – AFFAIRS OF THE COLLEGE

 

 

Section 1 – The Board of Directors

  1. The affairs of the College shall be governed and managed by a Board of Directors through the Executive Committee which are duly elected at a general meeting by those members eligible to vote.
  2. By-laws for the conduct of the affairs of the College shall be made and/or amended by a simple majority vote at a General or Special General Meeting or by a postal ballot from the general membership.

 

 

Section 2 – Committees

The Board may delegate any of its powers to committees consisting of three(3)or more members of the Board, as it thinks fit. Any such committees so formed, in the exercise of the power so delegated, shall conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Board of Directors.Back to Top

ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

Any five (5) or more may propose, in writing, an amendment to this by-law, by submitting the same to the Honorary Secretary at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting of the members, at which the same is to be considered. Notice of such a proposed amendment shall be given by the Honorary Secretary to members, at least fifteen (15) days before the meeting at which the proposed amendments are to be voted upon.By-laws may be amended by a simple majority vote at a General or Special Business meeting or by a postal ballot from the general membership.Back to Top

ARTICLE VIII – LEGAL

No article of the By-law I and/or By-law II of the College shall conflict with the Rules and Regulations of the licensing bodies of any countries in the CaribbeanAmendments to the Constitution

  1. Notice of any proposal to amend or alter this Constitution must be included in the announcement of a General or Special General Meeting.
  2. The quorum for amendments to the Constitution shall be twenty percent (20%) of all active members of the College.
  3. A two-thirds majority of those voting will be required for the passing of an amendment.

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BY-LAW II OF THE CARIBBEAN COLLEGE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS

CHAPTER I – CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP, ELECTION & REQUIREMENTS

 

 

SECTION I – CORPORATE

A candidate for all classes of membership except Honorary and Corporate shall complete an application on an official form approved by the Board of Directors, accompanied by initial dues, which shall be refunded if he/she is not elected. This application shall be forwarded to the Honorary Secretary. In the case of all applications for membership, except for Associate membership, the Honorary Secretary shall seek the appropriate references who shall be members of the College and shall submit the application to the Committee on Membership for its consideration. The Committee on Membership shall return the application form to the Honorary Secretary with its recommendation for election or rejection. In the case of applications for Associate membership, the Honorary Secretary shall seek an appropriate reference from the director of the programme in which the candidate is enrolled and the Honorary Secretary need not submit the application to the Committee on Membership. The Honorary Secretary shall inform the candidate whether the application has been accepted or rejected. Those elected shall be sent a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the College.

SECTION II – CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

There shall be four (4) classes of memberships:ACTIVE, ASSOCIATE, SUSTAINING, and RETIREDThere shall be four (4) suclassifications of membership:CORPORATE, HONORARY, NON-RESIDENT and FELLOW.1.1 ACTIVE MEMBER

  1. Active members shall:
    1. Be a fully licensed physician engaged in or concerned with the practice of family medicine.
    2. Undertake to complete the designated hours of approved postgraduate study each year as laid down by the Board of Directors
    3. Practice according to the code of ethics of the College.
  2. Active members shall pay dues.
  3. A detailed record of the time spent in postgraduate study as well as other accredited work shall be furnished annually by the individual members in the prescribed manner.
  4. Active members who for just reason, are unable to meet the minimum requirements of approved postgraduate study each year, are required to submit a programme of continuing medical education in the following year, which would equate to the total required hours of study in the most recent two (2) year period.
  5. Active members shall be entitled to the privilege of the floor at general meetings, may vote and may hold office.
  6. Active members will be designated Member of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians or abbreviated M.C.C.F.P.
  7. Active members shall be subject to re-certification at regular time intervals as determined by the Board of Directors.

1.2 ASSOCIATE MEMBER

  1. Associate membership may be granted to any resident (or intern holding an educational license) who is engaged in an approved training programme.
  2. Associate membership may be granted to other health professionals as approved by the Board.
  3. Associate membership shall terminate automatically upon ceasing to be enrolled in an approved training programme.
  4. Associate members who qualify for Certificant status by completing the UWI examination in Family Medicine shall be eligible to become Active members upon publication of the list of successful candidates for the examination.
  5. Associate members who withdraw from a formal programme of training either prior to termination of the programme, or because of having been unsuccessful in the Certification examination, may apply to become members, in the appropriate class.
  6. Associate members shall be entitled to the privelege of the floor at general meetings, but shall not vote nor hold office.
  7. Associate members may be appointed to membership on a committee in which instance they shall have full committee membership privileges
  8. Associate members shall pay annual dues as determined by the Board. professionals as approved by the Board.

1.3 SUSTAINING MEMBER

  1. Sustaining membership may be granted to any physician who is not actively engaged in the practice of family medicine, and is engaged in another field of endeavor but desires to keep his/her affiliation to become affiliated to the College.
  2. Sustaining members shall not be required to give evidence of postgraduate study.
  3. Sustaining members shall have the privilege of the floor at general meetings, but may not vote nor hold office.
  4. Sustaining members shall pay annual dues.

1.4 RETIRED MEMBER

  1. Retired membership may be granted to members who are no longer engaged in professional activities.
  2. Retired members shall not be required to give evidence of postgraduate study.
  3. Retired members may have the privilege of the floor at general meetings, may vote, but shall not hold office.
  4. Retired members shall not pay dues.

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SECTION 11 HONORARY

  1. Honorary membership may be conferred by the Board of Directors on individuals of distinction who have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of the family physician, or to the medical profession in general, and who need not be graduates of medicine.
  2. Honorary membership shall be restricted to non-members of the College.
  3. There shall be at any time no more then twelve (12) living Honorary members and no more than two (2) may be conferred annually.
  4. Honorary membership may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by the members
  5. Honorary members shall be entitled to the privileges of the floor at the annual general meeting but shall not be entitled to vote nor hold elective office.
  6. Honorary members shall pay no annual dues.

 

SECTION III – NON RESIDENT

  1. Non- Resident membership may be conferred on members who have taken up residence outside the territorial boundaries of the Caribbean, and who wish to maintain their membership in the College without loss of seniority.
  2. Non-Resident membership may also be conferred on citizens of other nations wishing to identify with College programmes. Such citizens must meet all the requirements for license to practice medicine in the jurisdiction, in which they reside, and subscribe to the College Code of Ethics.
  3. Non-Resident members shall have the privilege of the floor at meetings of the College, but may not vote, and may not hold elected office. They may serve on College committees, and as members of committees, enjoy the full privilege of such membership.
  4. Non-Resident members shall comply with the same requirements for continuing medical education as Active members.
  5. Non-Resident members shall pay annual dues.

 

SECTION IV FELLOW

  1. Fellowship may be conferred on members of the College except honorary and associate, as an honorary distinction
  2. Fellows must be certificants of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians and nominations for fellowship must be accompanied by appropriate documentation supporting the nomination.
  3. In any one year, Fellows may be elected, but not to exceed one percent (1%)of the total membership for that particular year, and the total number of Fellows shall at no time exceed ten (10%)percent of the certificated membership.
  4. Candidates for Fellowship may be proposed by the Board of Directors, or National Associations, or by written recommendation of two persons from the general membership, using the following selection criteria:
    1. The member shall have conducted an exemplary family practice, as determined by the appropriate committees
    2. The member shall have had a minimum of ten (10) years continuous membership in the College.
    3. The member may have held an elected office or appointed position.
    4. The member may have made a major contribution to Caribbean medicine.
    5. The member may have participated in community activities and through these activities, have contributed to the improvement of the educational, political or social welfare of the community.
  5. The privileges, rights, duties and requirements of Fellows shall be determined by the class of membership to which they belong.
  6. The Board of Directors may confer Fellowship posthumously upon individuals provided the nomination was made during the lifetime of the nominee, and all other conditions of election to Fellowship have been satisfied.
  7. Fellows shall be designated “Fellow of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians” or abbreviated “FCCFP.”

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CHAPTER III – CONTINUING PROGRAMME OF POSTGRADUATE STUDY

 

SECTION I – GENERAL

Active members in order to maintain their membership shall carry out a continuing programme of postgraduate study. The minimum requirements for postgraduate study shall be as designated by the Board of Directors in each one year period and shall be from such sources as shall be approved from time to time by the Board of Directors. Such sources, by resolution of the Board of Directors, shall be published and circulated to the membership.

SECTION II – ASSESSMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDY CREDITS

  1. Records of postgraduate studies shall be assessed by the Accreditation Committee of the College.
  2. If a member for just reason is unable to meet the minimum requirements of approved postgraduate study each year, the Accreditation Committee shall allow him/her to submit a programme of continuing medical education in the following year, which would equate to the required hours of study in the most recent two year period.
  3. The number of postgraduate study hours with which a member is credited shall be approved by the Accreditation Committee
  4. The maximum credit shall not exceed hour-for-hour participation, and may be less.
  5. Certified Members whose membership has lapsed may apply for reinstatement of membership by the submission of the membership fee for the current year, and the immediately preceding year, and evidence of the completion of a programme of continuing medical education equivalent to what would have been required had membership been maintained in the previous year.

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CHAPTER IV – DISCIPLINE

LOSS AND RESTORATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION I

Each member of the College agrees to the right of the Board of Directors of the College to discipline and restore his/her membership in accordance with these By-laws and specifically waives any right or claim to damages as the result of any disciplinary action taken by the College.

SECTION 2

A member is considered by the Caribbean College of Family Physicians to be guilty of professional misconduct, and shall be expelled from the College, if:

  1. Convicted of an indictable offence; or,
  2. Suspended by a medical licensing authority and/or member’s name has been erased from the Medical Register in which he/she was licensed to practise; or,
  3. If he/she has been guilty in the opinion of the Executive Committee confirmed by the Board of Directors, of misconduct in a professional respect, of conduct unbecoming a medical practitioner, of failing to practise a standard of medicine acceptable to the College, or of incompetence, to a degree warranting expulsion.

 

SECTION 3

In accordance with section 2 (a), (b), and (c), when the Board of Directors has decided that professional misconduct has occurred the offending member shall be notified of his/her expulsion from the college. If the member is re-licensed to practise he/she may reapply for membership and the application shall be considered as if it were a new application.

 

SECTION 4

Where a member has been expelled or suspended from membership in the College,

  1. He/she shall surrender to the Honorary Secretary his/her certificate of membership in the College on demand of the Board of Directors; and
  2. When such terms and conditions as the Board may impose have been satisfied, the member may apply to the Board to have his/her certificate of membership restored.

 

SECTION 5

  1. The Executive Committee, when so directed by the Board of Directors, shall inquire into the conduct of any member,
  2. To determine whether upon evidence and the facts so ascertained that a charge has been proved, and to determine whether in respect of the charge so proved that the member is guilty of professional misconduct.
  3. Where the Executive Committee finds that a member is guilty of professional misconduct, it may determine and recommend to the Board that the member:
    1. be expelled from the College; or
    2. be suspended from membership in the Col1ege for a specified period of time; or,
    3. be suspended from membership in the College until certain requisitions and qualifications have been fulfilled; or,
    4. be warned and any penalty be suspended or postponed for such period and upon such terms as the committee may designate.
  4. The Board of Directors shall confirm or modify the action taken by the Executive Committee.
  5. In the case of proven professional misconduct, the College solicitor will be requested to communicate the decision to the member.

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CHAPTER V – DUES. ASSESSMENTS. FUNDS. APPROPRIATIONS

 

SECTION 1 – ANNUAL DUES

  1. Every member except honorary members and retired members, shall pay to the College annual dues of an amount which shall be determined from time to time for each class of membership by the Board of Directors by a two-thirds majority vote. Such annual dues shall be approved subsequently by a majority of the membership eligible to vote at a general meeting.
  2. Membership fees shall be due at the beginning of each calendar year
  3. Associate members on being elected to active membership shall forthwith begin to pay the dues prescribed.

 

 

SECTION 2

The funds so raised shall be appropriated to defray the expenses of the College, and for such other objectives as may be deemed proper by the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 3

Members in default of payment of annual dues shall not exercise a vote or hold office. Their name may be stricken from the membership roll after a lapse of one (1) year. Unless the amount due is paid before the end of the year period, the member shall be in the same status as though he had never been a member and shall acquire membership only in the manner set forth in these by-laws.

 

SECTION 4

The income and property of the College, however derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its objectives as set forth in Article II of By-Laws I and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of profit, to the members of the College.

 

SECTION 5

All cheques, promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, and other negotiable or transferable instruments, and all receipts for the monies paid to the College, shall be signed, drawn, accepted, endorsed, or otherwise executed, as -the case may be, in such manner as the Board of Directors shall, from time to time by resolution determine.

SECTION 6

The Board of Directors shall cause to be kept proper books of accounts with respect to:

  1. All sums of money received and expended by the College and
  2. the matters in respect of which the receipts and expenditures take place.
  3. The assets and liabilities of the College.
  4. All sales and purchases of the College.

Proper books shall not be deemed to be kept if there are not kept such books of accounts as are necessary to give a true picture of the state of the College’s affairs and to explain its transactions.Back to Top

 

CHAPTER VI – ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

SECTION 1

  1. The officers of the College shall be the President, the President-Elect in his/her year of office, two Vice-Presidents, the Honorary Treasurer, the Honorary Secretary and two Members-at-Large.
  2. These officers shall constitute the Executive Committee of the College.

 

 

SECTION 2

  1. At least one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the meeting of the Board of Directors to be held at the time of the Annual General Meeting, it shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to elect a Nominating Committee of five(5) members representing as well as possible all geographical areas of the Caribbean. This committee shall seek nomination from the general membership and present written nominations duly seconded to the meeting of the Board of Directors, prior to the annual general meeting, one or more nominations for the offices of President-elect, two (2) Vice-Presidents, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, and two (2) Members-at-large. In the event of no prior nominations further nominations for these offices are permitted from the floor at the time of the Annual General Meeting. Election of officers shall be by closed ballot at the annual general meeting
  2. At least thirty (30) days notice shall be given in writing to all members prior to the Annual General Meeting.
  3. At the Annual General Meeting the President-elect will become President, and shall be installed. All other elected officers will assume their duties concurrently, and will hold office until their successors have assumed office.

 

 

SECTION 3

The term of office of all officers shall be for two years from the time of their assuming office, or until their successors have assumed office.

 

SECTION 4

Any vacancy among the officers by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled by the Board of Directors, such officers to serve for the un-expired term.Chapter VI, Section 2(b) of By-Laws II shall apply to such officers on completion of the un-expired term.Back to Top

CHAPTER VII – THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

SECTION 1

The Board of Directors shall be composed of the officers of the Executive Committee plus one Director from each chapter, and the Editor.

SECTION 2

The Directors from each chapter shall be elected by the local organization from eligible members of the College. Each local organization shall elect annually its director(s) and alternate(s) to the Board of Directors. If the director cannot act, the alternate may do so. Where a local organization does not exist, the Board of Directors may appoint the Director(s) from among the eligible members of the College in the region.

 

SECTION 3

The director(s) and alternate(s) shall be ex-officio member(s) of the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 4

The Board of Directors shall meet immediately preceding each annual general meeting of the College and at such other times and at such places as determined by the Executive Committee. Forty percent (40%) of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.

 

SECTION 5

  1. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending meetings of the board in accordance with current Board policy.
  2. Where a Director is unable to attend a meeting of the Board and his/her alternate attends in his/her place, and acts for and on behalf of the director and the local organization he/she represents, that alternate may be reimbursed for expenses incurred by him/her as provided for a director under sub-section 1.

 

SECTION 6

  1. The Board may adopt such by-laws and regulations as may be deemed necessary for its own business and the affairs of the College.
  2. B)
    1. An elected Director shall hold office for such period not being less than one year but may be re-elected for a further period.
    2. Any Director may resign at any time his/her office in writing to the Chairman or if such Director be the Chairman to the Vice-Chairman.
  3. C)
    1. The Board shall meet at such times as may be necessary or expedient for the transaction of business and such meetings shall be held at such places and times and on such days as the Board shall determine
    2. The Chairman may at any time call a special meeting to be held within seven days of a written request for that purpose addressed to him/her by any three Directors
    3. Subject to the provisions of this schedule the Board may regulate its own proceedings
    4. The validity of any proceedings of the Board shall not be affected by any vacancy amongst the Directors or by any defect in the election of a Director
  4. D)
    1. The Seal of the College shall be authenticated by the signatures of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or one Director authorized to act in that behalf and the Secretary
    2. All documents other than those required by law to be under seal, may by, and all directions of the Board may be signified under the hand of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or any Director authorized to act in that behalf or the Secretary
  5. E)
    1. No Directors of the Board shall be personally liable for any act or default of the Board done or omitted to be done in good faith in the course of the operations of the Board.
    2. Where any Director of the Board is exempt from liability by reason only of the provisions of this paragraph the Board shall be liable to such extent that it would be if the Director was a servant or agent of the Board.
  6.  F)
    There shall be paid from the funds of the College to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Directors of the Board such remuneration whether by way of honorarium, salary or fees and such allowances as the Board may determine
  7. G)
    1. Except as may be provided by the by-laws, the Board may depute any committee of Directors (who shall have and may exercise such powers and authority exercisable by the Board as are reasonably required) to carry out any function which the Board is authorized to execute, exclusive of those exercisable by the Board under this paragraph and by way of appointment of the Executive Director and any committee so deputed shall give effect to any general or special directions of the Board
    2. Subject to such paragraph a) and to any directions issued by the Board a committee appointed under this paragraph may regulate its own proceedings and fix a quorum thereof.
  8. H)
    1. The Board may whenever it considers it desirable to do so call a general meeting of the Members of the College by not less than thirty(30) days notice:- a) served on every member and b) stating the general nature of the business of the meeting
    2. A general meeting called by notice under sub-paragraph (i) may take decisions in respect only of the business stated in the notice under sub-paragraph (i)(b)
    3. The Chairperson shall preside at any meeting called under this paragraph and subject to any by-laws or regulations made in that behalf shall do so at any other meeting of the College and may regulate proceedings at any meeting presided over by him/her
  9. I)
    1. The Board shall be responsible for the purchase, holding and disposal of land and shall erect, furnish and maintain such buildings as may be required for the work of the College
    2. The Board-shall also be empowered to negotiate the raising of loans and to pledge the assets of the College as security therefor
  10. The Board may appoint such officials and employees as may be necessary for the operation of the College.
  11. The Board may enter into such relations with the University of the West Indies or other institutions of learning as may be considered in the interest of the College.
  12. In the event of any circumstances arising to necessitate the dissolution of the College, the property of the College shall be valued and its assets, both real and personal shall be given to any institution(s) as approved by the Board.

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CHAPTER VIII – DUTIES AND TERMS OF OFFICE

SECTION 1 – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall have full authority to act for and on behalf of the Board of Directors whenever the business of the College demands prompt action between meetings of the Board of Directors or when it is impractical or impossible to convene the entire membership of the Board of Directors. It shall direct and integrate the work of all committees. Action of the Executive Committee shall be ratified by the Board of Directors at the first meeting following. The committee shall submit a comprehensive report at the annual general meeting.

 

SECTION 2 – PRESIDENT

  1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the College, and perform all other duties that custom, parliamentary practice and usage may require.
  2. He/She shall appoint all committees not provided for by the Board of Directors.
  3. He/She shall call a conjoint meeting of the retiring and the newly elected Executive Committee at the close of or immediately following the annual general meeting.
  4. He/She shall be designated as an official spokesperson for the College.

 

SECTION 3 – PRESIDENT-ELECT

  1. In the absence or disability of the President, the President-elect shall perform the duties of the President
  2. The President-elect shall succeed to the office of President at the expiration of the Presidents term as provided in Chapter VI, Section 2(c).

 

SECTION 4 – THE VICE-PRESIDENTS

  1. May be members of Committees;
  2. Act in the absence of the President;
  3. Assist the President in all duties.

 

SECTION 5 THE HONORARY TREASURER

  1. The Honorary Treasurer shall cause to be kept adequate and proper accounts of the funds of the College. He/She shall deposit or caused to be deposited all funds and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the College with such depositaries as may be approved by the Board of Directors. He/She shall disburse the funds of the College as may be ordered by the Board of Directors; shall render to the Board of Directors, whenever it may request it, an account of all transactions, and of the financial condition of the College, with the vouchers, duly audited and signed by the auditors designated by the Board of Directors and at the expiration of his/her term of office shall hand them to his/her successor together with the money, books and other property belonging to the College.
  2. The Honorary Treasurer and his/her accredited representatives, if any, shall be
  3. bonded in an amount to be determined by the Board of Directors at the expense of the College.
  4. Any of the duties of the Honorary Treasurer may, by action of the Board of Directors, be assigned to another member of the Executive Committee.

 

SECTION 6 – THE HONORARY SECRETARY

  1. This office shall be responsible for minutes of all meetings and for correspondence except in so far as the Board shall otherwise direct.
  2. He/She shall be a member of the Editorial Committee and of any other committee so directed by the board.

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CHAPTER IX – APPOINTED OFFICERS

 

SECTION 1 – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  1. There shall be an Executive Director who shall be responsible to the Board of Directors. He/She shall be a full-time employee of the College and shall carry out duties assigned by the Board of Directors. He/She shall attend all meetings of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the annual general meeting and all special meetings.
  2. The Executive Director shall be appointed for a term and, notwithstanding anything
  3. to the contrary herein contained, at a stipend to be fixed by the Board of Directors. He/She, under the direction of the Board of Directors, shall perform such duties of the Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary as may be assigned to him/her by the Board of Directors. He/She shall keep or cause to be kept an accurate record of the minutes and transactions of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the annual general meeting and all special meetings. He/She shall supervise all employees and agents of the College and have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. He/she shall not be entitled to vote.
  4. The Executive Director shall be bonded in an amount fixed by the Board of Directors, the premium to be paid by the College.
  5. He/She shall conduct the correspondence of the College. He/She shall keep lists of the members of the College and shall record all changes in membership.
  6. Upon admission of candidates for all classes of membership, he/she shall forward suitable notification of that fact to the successful candidates. This communication shall be accompanied by a copy of the by-laws and constitution of the College.

 

SECTION 2

The Board of Directors may employ additional personnel to attend to the routine business and correspondence of the College under the direction of the Executive Director.Back to Top

CHAPTER X – COLLEGE PUBLICATIONS

SECTION 1

  1. The College shall publish a journal/yearbook which shall be called “The Caribbean Family Physician.”
  2. The Board of Directors may appoint an Editor subject to such terms and conditions of employment and remuneration as the Board of Directors may from time to time in its absolute discretion determine. The Editor shall be responsible through the Executive to the Board of Directors for all matters pertaining to the editorial function.

 

SECTION 2

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint an Editorial Committee, which shall be responsible for editorial policy, and shall give direction to the editor, who shall be a member of the Editorial Committee and the Board of Directors.
  2. The Board of Directors shall appoint such other officials as are required for the efficient operation of the College publications and shall designate their terms of employment and remuneration.

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CHAPTER XI – REGIONAL MEMBERS

 

SECT1ON 1

Active members of the College in any territory should work towards strengthening their local associations and encourage membership of the College. Each territory with more than one member of the College shall form a chapter, which will function as an arm of the College.

SECTION 2

FUNCTIONS OF MEMBERS IN THE TERRITORIES

  1. Each local chapter shall:
    1. Recommend applicants to the College for election as members
    2. Establish a Co-ordinating Committee, whose function shall be:
      1. To establish and maintain close liaison with the faculty of medicine within the region
      2. To establish and maintain close liaison with the Committees of the College
      3. To identify and establish CME (continuing medical education) activities for their local membership
      4. To assist and support all programmes of research in all phases of education for family practice.
    3. Carry out duties delegated to it by the Board of Directors of the Caribbean College of Family Physicans
  2. Each local association may:
    1. Send observers to meetings of the Board of Directors.

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CHAPTER XII – STANDING COMMITTEES

SECTION 1

  1. The Board of Directors may appoint standing committees to assist in its work.
  2. The Chairperson(s) of standing committees shall attend appropriate meetings of the Board of Directors, at which time they shall have the privileges of the floor, but shall not vote. They may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while attending meetings of the Board as stated in the By-Laws. The Board shall appoint the following standing committees: –
    1. 1. Accreditation
    2. 2. Membership
    3. 3. Educational
    4. 4. Research
    5. 5. Editorial
    6. 6. Finance
    7. 7. By-Laws and Legal Affairs
    8. 8. Archives and Library

 

SECTION 2 – COMMITTEE ON ACCREDITATION

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Committee on Accreditation
  2. The terms of reference of this committee shall be:
    1. To develop a policy for the recording and reviewing of postgraduate study requirements for the maintenance of continuing membership in the College.
    2. To develop methods of evaluation and assessment and various techniques of continuing medical education
    3. To advise as to the design, implementation and evaluation of continuing medical education programmes conducted under the auspices of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians
    4. To establish criteria, assess applications and grant approval to those organizations responsible for the production of programmes of continuing medical education
    5. To develop new methods of self assessment and self evaluation.
    6. To design and conduct a programme of maintenance of certification.
    7. To further continuing medical education of family physicians in all possible ways
    8. To communicate information and recommendations on
    9. continuing medical education to all relevant College standing committees
    10. To encourage the establishment and operation of local committees on continuing education and particularly to encourage liaison between the nationa1. organizations and various local chapters on continuing medical education.
    11. To further the utilization of all the various types and techniques of continuing medical education.

 

SECTION 3 .- COMMITTEE ON MEMBERSHIP

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Committee on Membership
  2. The terms of reference of this committee shall be:
    1. To provide the recruitment of new members for the College
    2. To develop and maintain a policy designed to offset attrition in College membership
    3. To consider applications for membership and to investigate the qualifications of applicants for membership.
    4. To recommend changes for qualifications for membership.
    5. To establish and analyze those services unrelated to evaluation, the educational process, or clinical medicine that may be provided by the Caribbean College of Family Physicians to its membership.
    6. To study the feasibility of significantly widening the spectrum of such services available to College members.

SECTION 4 – COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION/ EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Committee on the Educational Process
  2. The terms of reference of this committee shall be:
    1. To co-ordinate the activities of the College with respect to education in and for Family Medicine
    2. To ensure liaison between the National organizations, Universities and Ministers of Health on Education and Research
    3. To maintain liaison with regard to medical education with other organizations.
    4. To study, report and advise the Board of Directors on the application of audio-visual aids and teleconferencing in furthering the objectives of the College.
    5. To maintain and add to the library of medical recordings
    6. To provide a comprehensive library and information service for family physicians by complementing existing library services and providing for unmet library service needs to family physicians.
    7. To cooperate with other educational committees of the College in integrating educational policy of the College
    8. To carry out such other duties as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors.
    9. To liaise with the Committee on Archives and Library.

 

SECTION 4 – COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION/ EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Committee on the Educational Process
  2. The terms of reference of this committee shall be:
    1. To co-ordinate the activities of the College with respect to education in and for Family Medicine
    2. To ensure liaison between the National organizations, Universities and Ministers of Health on Education and Research
    3. To maintain liaison with regard to medical education with other organizations.
    4. To study, report and advise the Board of Directors on the application of audio-visual aids and teleconferencing in furthering the objectives of the College.
    5. To maintain and add to the library of medical recordings
    6. To provide a comprehensive library and information service for family physicians by complementing existing library services and providing for unmet library service needs to family physicians.
    7. To cooperate with other educational committees of the College in integrating educational policy of the College
    8. To carry out such other duties as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors.
    9. To liaise with the Committee on Archives and Library.

 

SECTION 5 – COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Committee on Research
  2. The terms of reference of this committee shall be:
    1. To provide a consulting service to the Board of Directors in all matters relating to research activities in and for Family Medicine
    2. To promote and assist the participation of FamilyPhysicians in clinical, epidemiological, therapeutic and organizational studies when necessary, in cooperation with other bodies and individuals, in order to foster the improvement of health care and to contribute to the total body of medical knowledge.

 

SECTION 6 – EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint an Editorial Committee consisting of the Honorary Secretary, the Editor and at least two members for a period of three years and eligible for reappointment.
  2. The terms of reference for this committee shall be:
    1. To suggest topics and authors for technical articles for publication in the Caribbean Family Physician and in the Newsletters/Bulletins.
    2. To review unsolicited material and establish its fitness for publication
    3. To review all proposals affecting College Publications
    4. To provide a feedback mechanism to the Editor respecting the appropriateness of the editorial content of College Publications
    5. To ensure that the publishing policy is consistent with overall College objectives.

SECTION 7 – FINANCE COMMITTEE

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Finance Committee
  2. This committee shall consist of the Honorary Treasurer of the College as Chairman and four members appointed by the Board of Directors
  3. The Finance Committee shall have the supervision of the finances of the College. This committee shall submit an annual budget and report thereon along with recommendations to the Board of Directors for their approval, and arrange for an audit of the books annually by a chartered accountant
  4. Members of the Finance Committee shall be the trustees of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians Charitable Trust Fund and shall perform the obligations imposed on the said trustees by the terms of the deed creating the said Endowment Fund.
  5. The Honorary Treasurer and any one of the members of the committee, including the chairman, shall have access to the safety deposit box. In the event of the absence of the honorary treasurer, the chairman of the Board of Directors shall designate a member of the Board of Directors to substitute for him/her.
  6. The Finance Committee shall make recommendations concerning requirements for maintaining a permanent College Headquarters.
  7. The Finance Committee shall make recommendations concerning the appropriate staffing to maintain the efficient conduct of College business.

 

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint the Executive Committee as the Committee on By-Laws.
  2. The Committee shall make a study of the by-laws and make recommendations for changes, deletions, modifications and interpretations, from time to time as required.
  3. The committee shall ensure that changes in the by-laws which are authorized are properly recorded in the appropriate section of the by-laws.

 

SECTION 9 – COMMITTEE ON ARCHIVES AND LIBRARY

  1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Committee on Archives
  2. The terms of reference of the committee shall be:
    1. To establish and maintain the appropriate mechanisms for recording College history
    2. To establish a collection of items for inclusion in a College archive museum
    3. To establish and maintain a Library for College Members and regularly inform them of references relevant to family medicine.
    4. To ensure the acquisition and maintenance of a collection of family medicine literature
    5. To make available to members of the College and other family physicians, educational programmes for the purpose of stimulating self-education and self-evaluation, these programmes to be used only for educational purposes.
    6. To liaise with the Committee on Education.

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CHAPTER XIII – OTHER COMMITTEES

SECTION 1 – SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Special committees may be appointed by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 2 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall elect a Nominating Committee as provided in By-Law II, Chapter VI, Section 2.

 

SECTION 3 – RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

At the opening of the annual general meeting any eligible member of the College may present on the floor in writing, any resolution pertinent to the objectives of the College or in relation to any report by any officer or committee of the College. Resolutions so offered shall be referred to the Board of Directors. A Resolutions Committee appointed by the Board of Directors shall hold a hearing upon the resolutions so offered. Thereafter the Resolutions Committee shall report its actions on such resolutions with any amendments thereon to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors thereupon shall approve, disapprove or modify such resolutions, which will then be brought to a General Meeting for a decision.Back to Top

CHAPTER XIV – RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. The Board of Directors by majority vote may refer and submit to the members of the College defined questions affecting the policy of the College which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, are of immediate practical consequence to the members of the College and the public. The result of the referendum when duly ascertained by such vote shall control the acts of the College and its officers, Board of Directors and Committees.
  2. The Board of Directors may advise the President to call a special general meeting of the members of the College. Notice shall be given in writing to the members at least thirty (30) days prior to the date said special general meeting and the reasons for such meeting shall be given in the notice of meeting.

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CHAPTER XV – SCIENTIFIC ASSEMBLIES

  1. A scientific assembly shall be held annually at a suitable location in the Caribbean for the purpose of:
    1. Granting Certification and Fellowship in the College
    2. Installation of Officers
    3. Conducting an annual general meetin)g, and meeting of the Board of Directors
    4. The presentation of appropriate scientific papers or papers of relevance to the membership
  2. The order of business for the Annual General Meeting of the College, unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors shall be as follows:
    1. Calling the meeting to order by the president
    2. Minutes of the last annual meeting and of any intervening special general meetings
    3. Annual reports of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and the honorary treasurer
    4. Annual reports of the standing committees and special committees
    5. Resolutions and referenda
    6. Reading of proposed amendments to the by-laws and voting on same.
    7. Election of officers
    8. Address of the retiring president
    9. Installation of president and presentation of officers
    10. New business
    11. Adjournment

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CHAPTER XVI – RULES OF ORDER

With respect to all matters for which no provision is contained in the by-laws the conduct of the College shall be governed by West Indian parliamentary procedures (Westminster model)Back to Top

 

CHAPTER XVII – THE COLLEGE PRAYER

The College Prayer shall be:Grant me an opportunity to improve and extend my training, since there is no limit to knowledge.Help me to correct and supplement my educational defects as the scope of science and the horizon widens every dayGive me Courage to realize my daily mistakes so that tomorrow I shall be able to see and understand in a better light what I could not comprehend in the dim light of yesterday.Bless me with a spirit of devotion and self-sacrifice so that I can treat and heal thy suffering servants and prevent disease and preserve health to the best of my ability and knowledge.Grant that my patients have confidence in me and my art and follow my directions and counsel.Oh grant that neither greed for gain, nor threat for fame, nor vain ambition may interfere with my work.May I see in the afflicted and the suffering only a fellow human being in need.(Maimonides)