Albert Ramdin has been elected as the new OAS Secretary General, the first from the Caribbean, succeeding Luis Almagro. His election received broad support from progressive and centrist governments, highlighting a potential shift towards unity within the OAS. Ramdin will address challenges such as the Venezuelan crisis and migration issues when he assumes office in May for the 2025-2030 term.
Suriname’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Organization of the American States (OAS), marking a significant change as he will be the first Caribbean leader to hold this position. His election was backed by the 14-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and came after a consensus developed among member states, especially following the withdrawal of Paraguay’s Foreign Minister, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano.
Ramdin was elected without opposition during a session in Washington, where he called for unity among member states, stating, “My commitment is to serve all member states of this organization. Our collective strength lies in our ability to work together.” This election reflects a shift from the divisive tenure of Luis Almagro, who faced criticism from several leftist governments for close US alignment.
To secure his position, Ramdin gained essential support from various progressive governments including those in Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay, as well as from centrist and center-right governments in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. Notably, Paraguay criticized the strategic withdrawals of support from other nations.
The election session included remarks from a US State Department official, Michael Kozak, who highlighted the importance of democracy and warned against external adversaries, alluding to China’s influence in the region. Ramdin will officially assume his role in May for the 2025-2030 term, navigating pressing issues such as the Venezuelan crisis and regional migration.
Previously, Ramdin served as the OAS deputy secretary from 2005 to 2015 and was appointed Suriname’s Foreign Minister in 2020. His leadership marks a potential new chapter for the OAS, especially concerning issues of human rights and democracy in the Americas, an area prominently addressed during Almagro’s time in office.
The election of Albert Ramdin as Secretary General of the OAS signifies a pivotal moment for the organization, potentially heralding a more unified approach among member states. With a mandate to serve all nations, Ramdin faces numerous challenges, including regional crises and the response to external influences. His leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the Americas and fostering collaborative solutions to pressing issues.
Original Source: efe.com
