Albert Ramdin of Suriname has been elected as the new Secretary General of the OAS, becoming the first Caribbean leader in this role. Elected unopposed after Paraguay withdrew its candidate, Ramdin emphasized unity in his first remarks. He garnered support from diverse political factions across Latin America, signaling a potential shift from previous divisions during Almagro’s tenure. Ramdin’s term will confront several regional challenges, including crises in Venezuela and Haiti.
Surinamese Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), set to assume this role in May 2025. This election marks a significant historical achievement, as Ramdin will be the first leader from the Caribbean to hold this position. His candidacy received robust support, particularly from the 14-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
In his inaugural remarks, Ramdin emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “My commitment is to serve all member states of this organization. Our collective strength lies in our ability to work together.” He was elected without opposition after Paraguay’s candidate withdrew, leading to a consensus in favor of Ramdin. This reflects a shift from the divisions of outgoing Secretary General Luis Almagro’s tenure.
Ramdin’s election was backed by progressive governments from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, and Uruguay, along with support from centrist and center-right nations such as Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. The withdrawal of Paraguay’s candidate was notable, as they criticized other countries, including Brazil and Uruguay, for revoking their support. Despite ideological differences, the Trump administration chose not to challenge Ramdin’s bid.
During the election proceedings, US State Department official Michael Kozak urged Ramdin to focus on democracy and addressed concerns over countries like Venezuela and Nicaragua. Ramdin faces significant challenges ahead, including the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, escalating violence in Haiti, and regional migration issues.
Previously, Ramdin served as the OAS Deputy Secretary General from 2005 to 2015 and has been Suriname’s Foreign Minister since 2020. His tenure, set to begin in May, aims to tackle various pressing regional issues while transitioning from Almagro’s emphasis on democracy and human rights.
Albert Ramdin’s election as OAS Secretary General signifies a pivotal shift toward unity and regional collaboration in the Americas. His backing by multiple governments suggests a desire to overcome ideological divides. The challenges Ramdin faces, particularly regarding democracy and human rights in the region, will define his leadership during the 2025-2030 term.
Original Source: efe.com
