Commonwealth_ The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the candidature of Albert Ramdin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, for the post of Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) for the period 2025-2030. CARICOM’s endorsement came during the Twentieth Special Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), where the regional body emphasized the significant role that the OAS plays in fostering regional cooperation, promoting peace, security, democracy, and development, and safeguarding human rights across the Americas. Elections for this important post are scheduled for March 2025.
CARICOM’s backing of Ramdin for the position is rooted in his extensive experience and proven track record in regional and international affairs. The Guyana-based secretariat highlighted that the OAS has historically been a vital institution in the Western Hemisphere, working towards greater regional integration, and supporting the development of member countries by providing a platform for addressing common challenges and fostering a shared vision. The OAS’s influence in promoting regional collaboration makes the position of Secretary-General particularly critical, as it requires someone with diplomatic expertise and a deep understanding of the complexities facing member states.
Albert Ramdin’s nomination is seen as a strategic choice for ensuring that the organization remains effective in meeting the needs of its member states. The endorsement speaks to his “distinguished regional and international leadership roles, coupled with his diplomatic acumen, demonstrated competence, and unwavering dedication to the OAS.” Ramdin’s extensive experience with the OAS, having previously served two terms as Assistant Secretary-General. This experience gives him a unique perspective on the workings of the institution and the challenges it faces. During his tenure as Assistant Secretary-General, Ramdin demonstrated a commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among member states, a quality that is crucial in the role of Secretary-General.
As CARICOM noted, Ramdin’s commitment to the principles and purposes outlined in the OAS Charter makes him an ideal candidate to lead the organization. The OAS Charter emphasizes values such as democracy, human rights, peace, and economic development, which align well with Ramdin’s vision for a more cohesive and prosperous hemisphere. CARICOM expressed its belief that Ramdin’s leadership would help strengthen the ties between member states, enhance dialogue, and promote initiatives that address shared challenges such as climate change, inequality, and security threats.
Ramdin’s focus on strengthening collaboration within the Americas is particularly significant given the current global context, where regional organizations are increasingly called upon to provide leadership on a range of complex issues. The Western Hemisphere faces numerous challenges that require collective action, including political instability, economic uncertainty, climate change, migration, and public health crises. Additionally, Ramdin’s background in international cooperation is seen as a valuable asset for the OAS. His experience has equipped him with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society. Such engagement is vital for addressing issues that transcend national borders and require collaborative, multilateral solutions. His extensive experience in diplomacy, both within Suriname and on the international stage, highlights his capacity to navigate complex negotiations and bring parties together to reach mutually beneficial solutions. CARICOM’s support also underscores the importance of regional representation in leadership roles within international organizations. By endorsing a candidate from Suriname, CARICOM aims to ensure that the perspectives and needs of Caribbean and smaller Latin American countries are adequately represented within the OAS. This is particularly important in ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the diverse needs of its member states, which vary significantly in terms of size, economic capacity, and political landscape.
