WASHINGTON – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries yesterday basked in the historic election of Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister of Suriname, who has become the first CARICOM national ever to be elected to the top position of the Organisation of American States (OAS).
Ramdin was elected for the term 2025-2030, during the 56th Special Session of the General Assembly of the OAS. He was elected by acclamation, following the withdrawal of Rubén Ramírez, the Foreign Minister of Paraguay.
Ramdin succeeds Luis Almagro, who was first elected as OAS Secretary General in 2015 and re-elected in 2020. Suriname’s Finance and Planning Minister, Stanley Raghoebarsing, told the special session of the OAS that 2025 marks a “special and historic moment” for the OAS as “we have collectively given our support to the candidature of an eminently qualified person for the post of Secretary General.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Suriname, I express appreciation to all . . . who have stood solidly behind the CARICOM candidate. It is clear that in unity we can achieve great things.
“This special moment represents not only a milestone in the history of our organisation, but it also reflects a re-affirmation of our shared commitment to democracy, human rights, security and development thrust in the Americas.”
Extensive knowledge
Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders, said having served as OAS assistant secretary general from 2005 to 2015, Ramdin brings an extensive knowledge of the organisation, an awareness of its historic challenges and a keen insight into the dynamics that shape the hemisphere.
“As the new Secretary General embarks on this chapter, he will need to confront novel challenges head on while addressing the persistent obstacles that continue to weigh on our collective aspirations.
“In this new era of global uncertainty, it is incumbent upon the OAS to narrow divisions among our member states,” Sir Ronald said.
“Only through meaningful dialogue, a spirit of consensus and a shared vision of progress can we maintain the relevance and vitality of this venerable institution,” he added.
Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said her country has all the confidence that Ramdin has the “necessary skills and expertise to build consensus among member states, to enhance synergies among the inter-American bodies and agencies to effectively engage the private sector and civil society to address issues such as poverty, food and energy security, climate change, irregular migration and violence against women and girls”. “It is only through dialogue and collective action that we can achieve our objectives and to ensure that the OAS remains a viable multilateral forum,” she added. (CMC)
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