Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, congratulated Albert Ramdin on his election as OAS Secretary-General. She emphasized the OAS’s role in promoting peace and justice and expressed confidence in Ramdin’s ability to navigate current regional challenges, including the crisis in Haiti and tensions between Guyana and Venezuela. Johnson-Smith also acknowledged outgoing Secretary-General Luis Almagro’s contributions during his tenure.
Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, has extended her congratulations to Albert Ramdin of Suriname on his election as the new Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS). Senator Johnson-Smith expressed pride on behalf of Jamaica, noting this historic achievement as Ramdin is the first Caribbean national to hold this position.
She acknowledged the critical timing of Ramdin’s appointment for the OAS, emphasizing the need for the organization to execute its mission of securing peace, justice, and solidarity among member states. Johnson-Smith expressed confidence in Ramdin’s ability to foster collaboration and engage effectively with various sectors to tackle pressing issues, such as poverty, climate change, and violence against women.
Ramdin, with previous experience as the OAS assistant secretary-general, was elected during the 56th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly. Johnson-Smith also recognized outgoing Secretary-General Luis Almagro for his ten years of service and commended his commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and human rights as integral to security and sustainable development.
Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, particularly regarding the crisis in Haiti. She called for sustained efforts towards restoring peace and stability, and expressed gratitude for the OAS’s ongoing support. Johnson-Smith urged international assistance to help Haiti achieve lasting peace and fair elections.
On the matter of tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, Johnson-Smith reaffirmed Jamaica’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty. She condemned any provocation and reinforced the need for dialogue and adherence to the International Court of Justice’s processes as a means to maintain peace in the region.
During her visit to Washington, Senator Johnson-Smith engaged in bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from Peru and Uruguay, as well as the President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, demonstrating Jamaica’s commitment to collaborative diplomatic relations.
In conclusion, Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith’s commendation of Albert Ramdin’s election as Secretary-General of the OAS highlights a significant milestone for the Caribbean region. Her strong advocacy for cooperation, conflict resolution, and support for Haiti, alongside a reaffirmation of Jamaica’s stance on regional sovereignty issues, underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing contemporary challenges. The collective focus on peace, democracy, and sustainable development remains crucial for the future of the OAS and its member states.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
