Albert Ramdin, Suriname’s Foreign Minister, was elected Secretary General of the OAS, becoming the first Caribbean leader in this role. His unopposed election was supported by several Latin American countries and marked a consensus following years of division under his predecessor, Luis Almagro. Ramdin faces key challenges like Venezuela’s crisis and regional migration, with calls for unity and defending democracy in the region.
Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Minister of Suriname, has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), succeeding Uruguay’s Luis Almagro in May. This election marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first leader from the Caribbean to hold this position, a candidacy supported by the 14-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In his initial statement, Ramdin emphasized the importance of unity among member states, saying, “My commitment is to serve all member states of this organization. Our collective strength lies in our ability to work together.”
Ramdin was elected without opposition after Paraguay’s Foreign Minister withdrew his candidacy amid insufficient support. His election occurred during a session in Washington, led by Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, and witnessed a broad consensus among regional diplomats, which is noteworthy after years of divisions during Almagro’s tenure. To secure his position, Ramdin received backing from progressive governments in Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay, along with support from centrist and center-right governments in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic.
Although Paraguay and the United States had previously expressed backing for a different candidate, they ultimately retreated from the process. Paraguayan Deputy Foreign Minister Víctor Verdún articulated that Paraguay’s intent was to offer a candidate free from ideological bias, underlining the nation’s commitment to the OAS, despite differing perspectives.
Following Ramdin’s election, U.S. State Department official Michael Kozak urged Ramdin to focus on defending democracy and criticized Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua for infringing on basic rights. He also highlighted concerns about external influences seeking to extend their presence in the region, referencing the Chinese influence indirectly.
Ramdin will be inaugurated in May for the term extending to 2025-2030, facing multiple challenges, including the crisis in Venezuela and rising violence in Haiti, alongside ongoing regional migration issues and trade disputes involving the U.S. His experience includes serving as the OAS’ second-in-command from 2005 to 2015, followed by his position as Suriname’s Foreign Minister since 2020. His leadership is anticipated to shift the organization’s approach from Almagro, who was noted for his firm stance on democracy and human rights.
In conclusion, Albert Ramdin’s election as Secretary General of the OAS represents a historic moment for Caribbean leadership within the organization. His commitment to unity and collaboration among member states is crucial, especially as he prepares to address significant challenges facing the region. The transition from Almagro to Ramdin signals a potential shift in the organization’s political dynamics, with an emphasis on inclusive governance and a balanced approach to regional relations.
Original Source: efe.com
