Albert Ramdin from Suriname has been elected as the first Caribbean Secretary-General of the OAS. His candidacy received support from CARICOM and several South American countries. Ramdin aims to address regional challenges and promote cross-border collaboration after assuming office amid scrutiny of the OAS’s effectiveness in ongoing crises.
Suriname’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, has been appointed as the new Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), marking a historic milestone as the first Caribbean diplomat to lead the organization. His appointment follows the tenure of Uruguayan diplomat Luis Almagro. A well-respected figure, Ramdin served as the OAS Assistant Secretary General from 2005 to 2015, during which he actively engaged with Haiti. He has been the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation for Suriname since 2020.
Elected by acclamation at the 56th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin bolstered his candidacy with unanimous support from the 14-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and endorsements from countries including Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay. His only opponent, Paraguay Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, withdrew from the race due to lack of support from the U.S. administration, which has shown skepticism about the OAS’s effectiveness in addressing regional conflicts.
Ramdin’s election comes at a time when the OAS faces scrutiny regarding its role in the context of ongoing crises in Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Suriname enjoys a unique position as a former Dutch colony that maintains strong diplomatic ties with the Caribbean, being an integral member of CARICOM, characterized predominantly by former British colonies.
A representative from Suriname emphasized that Ramdin’s leadership is a significant achievement for the OAS and reaffirms commitments to democracy, human rights, and development throughout the Americas. Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Stanley Raghoebarsing, noted the importance of this leadership shift after decades of CARICOM’s involvement in the organization, igniting hopes for enhanced political collaboration in the Western Hemisphere.
During his campaign, Ramdin highlighted the necessity for cross-border cooperation and emphasized the OAS’s potential role in addressing post-COVID-19 challenges, crime, migration, and economic development. In a statement congratulating Ramdin, the Caribbean Community’s foreign ministers affirmed their confidence in his leadership capabilities, citing his extensive experience in diplomacy and foreign policy as vital for navigating the OAS’s current challenges.
Albert Ramdin’s election as the OAS Secretary-General represents a significant moment for the Caribbean as it gains representation in a prominent leadership role within the organization. His extensive diplomatic experience and broad support from international member states position him to address critical regional issues effectively. As he undertakes his new responsibilities, Ramdin’s focus on cross-border collaboration and socio-economic development will be essential for enhancing inter-American relations and the OAS’s effectiveness in promoting security and democracy across the hemisphere.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
