CARIBBEAN-CARICOM countries bask in the appointment of Ramdin as OAS Secretary General

WASHINGTON, CMC—Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries Monday basked in the historic election of Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation Minister of Suriname. Ramdin became the first CARICOM national ever to be elected to the top position of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Ramdin was elected for the term 2025-2030 during the 56th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly. He was elected by acclamation following the withdrawal of Rubén Ramírez, the Foreign Minister of Paraguay.

Ramdin succeeds Luis Almagro, who was first elected as OAS Secretary General in 2015 and re-elected in 2020.

Suriname’s Finance and Planning Minister, Stanley Raghoebarsing, told the special session of the OAS that 2025 marks a “special and historic moment” for the OAS as “we have collectively given our support to the candidature of an eminently qualified person for the post of Secretary General.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Suriname, I express appreciation to all …who have stood solidly behind the CARICOM candidate. It is clear that in unity, we can achieve great things.

“This special moment represents not only a milestone in the history of our organization, but it also reflects a re-affirmation of our shared commitment to democracy, human rights, security, and development thrust in the Americas.”

Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders, said that having served as OAS assistant secretary general from 2005 to 2015, Ramdin brings extensive knowledge of the organization, an awareness of its historical challenges, and a keen insight into the dynamics that shape the hemisphere.

“As the new Secretary General embarks on this chapter, he must confront novel challenges head-on while addressing the persistent obstacles that continue to weigh on our collective aspirations.

“In this new era of global uncertainty, it is incumbent upon the OAS to narrow divisions among our member states,” Sir Ronald said, adding, “Only through meaningful dialogue, a spirit of consensus, and a shared vision of progress can we maintain the relevance and vitality of this venerable institution.”

Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, said her country has all the confidence that Ramdin has the “necessary skills and expertise to build consensus among member states, to enhance synergies among the inter-American bodies and agencies to effectively engage the private sector and civil society to address issues such as poverty, food and energy security, climate change, irregular migration and violence against women and girls.

She added, “It is only through dialogue and collective action that we can achieve our objectives and ensure that the OAS remains a viable multilateral forum. ”

For its part, Barbados said the election on Ramdin represents a “positive chapter in the history of the OAS.

“This is a remarkable first for this 67-year-old organization. An organization that is the central pillar of the inter-American system and unites thirty-two countries at various stages of development.

“Today more than ever, the four pillars of the OAS – fostering peaceful conflict resolution, democracy, development, and human rights bear much relevance.

The adoption by acclamation of Suriname to fill this critical role is a positive signal for our organization,” said Donna Forde, the Director General of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

She said that the hemisphere continues to confront economic instability, which, along with food insecurity, crime, and violence, compounded by the challenges of the climate crisis, impacts the well-being of our citizens.

“They intensify our vulnerabilities, undermine national and regional stability, and hinder global progress. In the face of these shared challenges, our hemisphere must exercise collective leadership to realize our shared goals and aspirations. Our goals are best realized through coordinated efforts and a commitment to multilateralism”.

She said CARICOM, as a collective grouping, highly values its membership in and engagement within the OAS and that its 14 members, though relatively small in size, bring a strong tradition of democratic governance, respect for the rule of law, strong and independent judiciaries, and defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“Arguably, the future of the OAS hinges on strategic leadership. The incoming Secretary-General will have to be visionary, able to drive consensus and orient decisive action on issues critical to the hemisphere,” Forde said.

Grenada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Charlie Francis, said Ramdin’s election is a “historic moment for the entire Caribbean and the Inter-American system.

“Your election reflects the OAS’s recognition of the Caribbean’s commitment to democracy, peace, and human rights. It speaks to the importance of diverse leadership and the positive impact of different perspectives on the organization”.

Francis said the Caribbean has long valued unity and cooperation, “principles which are foundations of our efforts as a region and the very same principles that we trust you will carry forward in your new role.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Foreign Minister, Frederick Stephenson, recalled that 77 years ago, when the 21 governments of this hemisphere signed the OAS Charter, “no one could ever contemplate that a landmark event such as this would ever occur.”

At the time, he said the founding members included only one Caribbean country, Haiti. However, he noted that CARICOM countries gained membership in the OAS in 1967, with Suriname becoming a member in 1977.

‘Today, 77 years after the signing of the OAS Charter and 48 years after the Republic of Suriname became a member of the organization, the CARICOM region is assuming the reigns of leadership of this Organization of American States,” he said, adding that ‘these numbers tell a compelling tale of persistence and perseverance in the true spirit of our noble Caribbean civilization.”

The Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister, Fred Mitchell, thanked all the countries for respecting CARICOM and the regional grouping for “sticking together” to ensure Ramdin’s election.

“We did it, and we all did a good job for our countries in accomplishing this goal today. I join with others who have noted the historic nature of this election, which is also a major achievement,” Mitchell added.

St. Lucia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alva Baptiste, offered “warmest congratulations” to Ramdin and said the OAS plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts to promote democracy, human rights, integral development, and security across the Americas.

“The selection of its leader is a crucial moment for all members determining the course the organization will chart in the years ahead. It is superfluous to add that today is a historic moment for Suriname and, of course, for us in the CARICOM region, electing after well over seven decades of the existence of this organization, the very first secretary general from this grouping.”

Dominica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Vince Henderson, said Ramdin’s election by acclamation “clearly demonstrates the collective will of all member states to move as a united front as we confront the many challenges that our hemisphere faces.

“I do hope, however, that through his tenure as secretary general, we will continue in that same spirit of unity as we deal with matters that only multilateralism can address,” Henderson said.

Trinidad and Tobago’s CARICOM and Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, said Ramdin would need support, including funding, to carry out his vision for the OAS going forward.

“Let us remember that the challenges we face are not singular in any of our member states as we co-exist within the shared space. As such, a coordinated response is necessary, which requires leadership that elevates multilateralism, fosters dialogue, brokers peace, ensures that from the smallest to the largest member state, our voice is heard on the global stage,” Browne said.

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, said he knows that Ramdin will use his multilateral and regional experience, coupled with his diplomatic experience, “to uplift the organization and to help meet its ambitious goals to ensure peace, prosperity, and security for the Americas.”

Todd, who thanked the OAS for its role in the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, said, “For Guyana, the OAS remains a critical fixture in the hemisphere, and the strategic pillars that underpin the organization are as relevant today as they were in the past.”

He said Guyana is aware that despite its best efforts, there is still ‘substantial work to deliver on development to the region and address hemispheric and other challenges”.’

St. Kitts-Nevis Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas said the twin-island Federation welcomes Ramdin’s appointment, adding, “It is undeniable that small island developing states continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden of climate change, and the urgency for action has never been starker.

“We call upon the OAS to play a more prominent leadership role in advocating tangible support for adaptation and resilience building… recognizing that this crisis demands joint and concerted action to mitigate the devastating effects and safeguard future generations to come”.