The Latin America and Caribbean Field Committee was set up in 1966. Countries in the area had previously been dealt with by the Latin America and Mediterranean Field Committee (see PRG/1/4/1). Until July 1985 it is referred to as 'The Field Committee for Latin America', though concerned also with the Caribbean. In October 1985 the geographical area in the title changes to 'Latin America and the Caribbean'. Between Jul 1986 and Apr 1987 it is referred to as the Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean, thereafter as the Latin America and Caribbean Committee. (It is referred to throughout this catalogue as the Latin America and Caribbean Field Committee.)

The Field Committees reported to the Overseas Aid Committee and were responsible for considering grant applications, with powers to approve up to £5,000 initially. Annual reports of Field Directors were submitted to the Committees from the 1970s. As well as reviewing the previous year, they often laid out priorities for the coming year. Occasional country or programme reviews were also submitted, as well as tour reports, evaluation reports and other reports relating to the programme. The Latin America and Caribbean and other Field Committees were stood down in 1992 and their functions passed to a new, global Overseas Committee.