Albert Ramdin has been elected as the new Secretary General of the OAS, set to take office in May. He is the first Caribbean leader to hold this position, with substantial support from CARICOM and various member states. His candidacy faced no opposition following the withdrawal of Paraguay’s Foreign Minister. Ramdin’s leadership will focus on unity and addressing regional challenges during his term.
On Monday, Albert Ramdin was elected as the new Secretary General of the Organization of the American States (OAS), succeeding Luis Almagro, with the election effective in May. As the first Caribbean leader to hold this position, his candidacy was significantly supported by the 14-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In his initial statement, Ramdin emphasized unity among member states: “My commitment is to serve all member states of this organization. Our collective strength lies in our ability to work together.”
Ramdin’s election came without opposition, as Paraguay’s Foreign Minister withdrew his candidacy due to insufficient backing, which stemmed from a lack of support from the United States. The election was conducted via acclamation during a session in Washington, where Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren presided over this historic event, boasting significant participation from various diplomats. This consensus indicates a shift from the divisions experienced under Almagro’s leadership.
To secure his position, Ramdin required at least 18 votes from the 34-member OAS. He gained backing from several leftist governments, including Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay, along with support from centrist and center-right governments in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. Despite opposing Ramdin, the Trump administration did not hinder Suriname’s bid. The elections also reflected Paraguay’s dissatisfaction with certain regional allies, as it withdrew its candidate while expressing its commitment to the OAS without ideological biases.
Ramdin will officially take office in May for the 2025-2030 term, and he will need to address various challenges, including the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, escalating violence in Haiti, regional migration issues, and trade disputes involving the United States. With prior experience as the OAS’ second-in-command from 2005 to 2015, he succeeded Almagro, whose term was characterized by a strong focus on democracy and human rights, particularly concerning Venezuela and Nicaragua.
The election of Albert Ramdin as the new Secretary General of the OAS marks a significant milestone for Caribbean leadership within the organization. His unopposed nomination, supported by a diverse coalition of member states, signals a move towards unity in addressing regional challenges. Ramdin’s experience within the OAS and his commitment to collaboration will be crucial as he navigates pressing issues such as the Venezuelan crisis and regional migration during his upcoming term from 2025 to 2030.
Original Source: efe.com
