Suriname’s Albert Ramdin has been elected as the first Caribbean Secretary-General of the OAS, succeeding Luis Almagro. Backed by unanimous support from CARICOM and several South American nations, Ramdin faces immediate challenges including crises in Haiti and Venezuela. His election represents a historic milestone for Caribbean leadership while emphasizing the importance of democracy and regional cooperation.
Suriname’s Albert Ramdin has made history by becoming the new Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), marking the first time a diplomat from the Caribbean Community has led the organization. Ramdin, who has served as Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation since 2020, took over leadership from Uruguayan Luis Almagro after being elected by acclamation at the 56th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly.
Ramdin previously held the position of Assistant Secretary-General of the OAS from 2005 to 2015, during which he focused on Haiti. He received unanimous support from the Caribbean Community’s 14 member states and additional backing from countries like Brazil, Bolivia, and Uruguay prior to his election. His main opponent, Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, withdrew from the race due to inability to secure U.S. support amid an uncertain stance from the new U.S. administration regarding the OAS.
The challenges awaiting Ramdin include the ongoing crises in Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, as well as discussions surrounding the effectiveness of the OAS in resolving hemispherical conflicts. Ramdin, a native of Suriname—historically a Dutch colony—enjoys strong diplomatic ties with the Caribbean and is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which includes primarily British-neighborhood nations.
A spokesperson for Suriname conveyed that Ramdin’s election symbolized a significant achievement for the OAS and reaffirmed commitments to democracy and human rights in the Americas. Suriname’s Minister of Finance Stanley Raghoebarsing emphasized that this marks the first occasion in over 45 years that a CARICOM member holds the highest position within the OAS, showcasing the organization’s diversifying political landscape.
Ramdin’s election was also framed as a testament to the unity and cooperation among CARICOM states and their commitment to democratic principles, as articulated by Raghoebarsing. In his campaign, Ramdin advocated for enhanced collaboration across borders and expressed the need for the OAS to tackle post-COVID-19 challenges, including crime and economic issues.
The Caribbean Community’s foreign ministers released a congratulatory statement reflecting their confidence in Ramdin’s abilities and experiences to address pressing issues such as governance, security, and development. They expressed trust in his capability to uphold the OAS Charter while effectively navigating regional challenges and contributing to the goal of a peaceful and prosperous hemisphere.
Albert Ramdin’s historic election as Secretary-General of the OAS marks a significant milestone for the Caribbean Community, highlighting the region’s leadership on a hemispheric level. His extensive experience and support from CARICOM and other nations underscore the confidence in his capacity to address pivotal regional challenges and strengthen democracy across the Americas. Ramdin’s focus on collaboration and his commitment to addressing post-COVID-19 issues will be critical as he takes on this momentous role.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
