BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – The Belize government has reiterated its commitment to the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) while endorsing the re-election of Chile’s former foreign affairs minister, Andrés Rebolledo Smitmans, as executive secretary for the 2026–2029 term
“His re-election reflects the confidence of member states in his leadership, technical expertise, and diplomatic acumen,” the Belize government said, adding that he returns “to the role with a clear mandate: to advance a sustainable, inclusive, and strategically oriented regional energy agenda”.
Belize was represented at the ceremony, reiterating “its strong commitment to regional energy cooperation” with the chief executive officer in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics, Dr. Leroy Almendarez, underscoring the critical importance of regional unity at a time when energy security and sustainable transition define economic sovereignty across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The government said that for more than five decades, OECD has served as the premier platform for energy collaboration among its twenty-seven member states and permanent observers.
“The organization has fostered cooperation between energy-rich and energy-developing nations while bridging policy, technology, investment, and regulatory harmonization across the region,” it added.
It said that Rebolledo Smitman’s new term begins at a pivotal moment.
Latin America and the Caribbean face the dual challenge of strengthening energy security while accelerating a just and inclusive transition to renewable and sustainable energy systems. Member states must move beyond dialogue and into measurable action to ensure that no country is left behind in the green transition.”
In his address to the ceremony, Dr. Almendarez pledged Belize’s full support to the executive secretary and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing key regional priorities, including universal and equitable energy access, strengthened regional energy security, harmonized regulatory frameworks to unlock cross-border electricity markets, mobilization of investment for renewable energy development, and long-term energy sovereignty and resilience.
Dr. Almendarez said that integration remains the region’s greatest strength. By pooling resources, harmonizing regulations, and leveraging collective market power, Latin America and the Caribbean can transform vast natural resources into lasting prosperity for their people.
“With unified leadership across its twenty-seven member nations, OLACDE is well-positioned to guide the region toward becoming a global benchmark in sustainable energy transformation,” he added.
The Belize government said it is looking “forward to working closely with OLACDE to advance projects that deliver tangible results in energy access, affordability, security, and sustainability for the people of the Americas”.
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