WASHINGTON, DC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) diplomats at the Organization of American States (OAS) have “strongly” reaffirmed their “unanimous endorsement” of Suriname’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, as the region’s candidate for the position of OAS Secretary-General.
Albert Ramdin (File Photo)Ramdin, a former deputy OAS secretary general, will face Ruben Ramirez Lezcano of Paraguay in the election scheduled for March 10, this year.
In a statement, the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors at the OAS, said as Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, Ramdin has faced the pressing challenges of governance, development, human rights, democracy, and security in the Western Hemisphere.
“He has extensive experience in navigating the complex realities confronting hemispheric governments, including those in Latin America and the Caribbean. His deep understanding of these issues positions him uniquely to lead the OAS during this pivotal time,” the regional diplomats added.
They said Ramdin is deeply committed to reforming the OAS in collaboration with member states, addressing financial and administrative challenges while enhancing its relevance and impact.
“His leadership will prioritize consensus-building among member states, narrowing divisions and fostering collective responses to the region’s shared challenges.”
The diplomats said that despite CARICOM comprising 44 per cent of the OAS membership, no Secretary-General has ever come from the Caribbean region and “Ramdin’s election would mark a historic recognition of the region’s contributions while ensuring the OAS is guided by a leader with the vision, experience, and diplomatic expertise to reinvigorate the organization and address the needs of all member states.
“The CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors strongly believes that Minister Ramdin’s election will strengthen the OAS and benefit the entire Western Hemisphere. We urge all OAS member states to support his candidacy.”
Ramdin’s candidacy, officially endorsed by CARICOM leaders in February last year, has been reaffirmed by the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR)in May, 2024.
The diplomat said that the endorsement “reflects CARICOM’s united commitment to advancing strong and effective leadership within the OAS”.
Meanwhile, Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi said earlier this week that Ramdin has sufficient support to be elected to the top OAS position.
He said in addition to the CARICCOM votes, there is also support from several Central and Latin American countries.
The OAS has 35 members and 17 votes are needed to win the election of Secretary-General.