Last Updated on Monday, 10 March 2025, 21:45 by Writer
Guyana on Monday welcomed the election of Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Albert Ramdin as the next Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), marking the first time that a national of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is at the helm of the hemispheric body.
Mr Ramdin was elected by acclamation as OAS Secretary General from 2025 to 2030 after Paraguay’s candidate, Foreign Affairs Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano pulled out. The Surinamese Foreign Minister will assume leadership of that hemispheric body after his country’s general elections later this year.
Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd told the OAS Permanent Council that he pledged his country’s “full commitment and support” to address the organisation’s many challenges as well as forge ahead with his campaign’s plan and vision.
“I am aware that the organisation faces many challenges—financial and structural—that will require difficult conversations and urgent guidance and attention,” Mr Todd said.
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, sent “warmest congratulations” to Mr Ramdin and described his election as a “proud and historic moment for the Caribbean.”
“Guyana looks forward to working closely with you in upholding the principles of the OAS Charter and in ensuring the stability and prosperity of our hemisphere. Best wishes for a successful tenure and an impactful leadership of the organisation,” Mr Persaud said on Facebook.
In his response to remarks by representatives of several member states, the OAS Secretary General-elect thanked leaders of the CARICOM bloc for their “unwavering support” and “active engagement” to make Thursday a historic one. “The Caribbean Community has proven to be united and well-organised, enabling us to assume this leadership at the highest level of the Organisation of American States,” he said.
Mr Ramdin thanked Paraguay for uniting around consensus.
Prior to Monday’s elections, Mr Ramdin had told Demerara Waves Online News that, in addition to the 14 independent CARICOM member states, he had picked up the support of eight other countries.
He previously served as Assistant Secretary General of the OAS and a CARICOM Assistant Secretary General.
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