The upcoming election for the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) on March 10, 2025, presents a pivotal opportunity to redefine the institution’s future.
Traditionally, the OAS has struggled to achieve consensus on critical and contentious issues. In recent years, some member countries have prioritized their own foreign policy agendas, using the OAS platform to further their national interests instead of fostering dialogue and cooperation. This shift has undermined the organization’s ability to act as a cohesive force across the Americas. To restore its effectiveness, the OAS requires a visionary leader who can facilitate unity and address the pressing challenges facing the region. The choice of Secretary-General will be crucial in revitalizing the organization’s mission.
In this context, the 14 independent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations have collectively endorsed Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Minister of Suriname, as their candidate for the Secretary-General position. This endorsement is both timely and significant, considering the current challenges confronting the OAS.
It’s essential to understand that CARICOM’s support for Minister Ramdin does not aim to establish a dominant Caribbean presence within the OAS. If elected, Ramdin is envisioned as a secretary-general who embodies the collective will of all member states and avoids serving the interests of any single nation or bloc. The Western Hemisphere stands at a critical juncture, grappling with urgent issues such as climate change, migration, economic inequality, and threats to democratic governance that necessitate coordinated actions.
CARICOM’s endorsement of Ramdin stems from the belief that he is the most qualified candidate for the position at this moment. This decision aligns with CARICOM’s historic approach; during the last election, they supported a non-CARICOM candidate, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, based solely on her exceptional qualifications and vision for the OAS’s future. Although Espinosa remains a strong candidate today, her lack of support from her home country in the previous election highlights the ongoing challenges in securing a qualified candidate regardless of nationality.
Unfortunately, many governments express a preference for their own national candidates or those who align with specific ideological viewpoints. However, the true criteria for the role should focus on a candidate’s understanding of the OAS, their vision for its collective benefit, and their ability to navigate the organization’s financial and governance challenges to maintain relevance for the peoples of the Americas.
This is precisely why CARICOM has rallied around Ramdin. With decades of diplomatic and governance experience, underscored by a 10-year tenure as Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization, he is well-equipped to tackle the pressing issues facing the Western Hemisphere. His experience as Suriname’s Foreign Minister further deepens his understanding of regional dynamics.
Should he be elected Secretary-General, Ramdin has committed to prioritizing the reform of the OAS to overcome its financial and administrative hurdles. The organization’s reliance on member state funding, with the US contributing nearly 50% of the budget, poses a significant obstacle to achieving its goals. Without adequate financial backing, the OAS risks devolving into a mere discussion forum rather than a venue for constructive resolutions. As the adage suggests, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Ramdin has pledged to focus on resource acquisition, enhance administrative transparency, and ensure that all expenditures are justified.
Moreover, aside from Haiti, which was a founding member in 1948, CARICOM nations have been active OAS members since 1967. Despite constituting 44% of OAS membership, the Caribbean has never held the Secretary-General position. Ramdin’s election would address this disparity and acknowledge the valuable contributions of CARICOM nations to the OAS’s development.
Ramdin’s candidacy has received official endorsements from CARICOM heads of government during their 46th Regular Meeting in February 2024, and has been reaffirmed by the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in May 2024. These endorsements underscore CARICOM’s commitment to fostering effective leadership within the OAS, calling on all member states to support a candidate dedicated to the organization’s foundational principles.
If elected, Ramdin would symbolize a commitment to equity, inclusivity, and representation, revitalizing an institution that is crucial for the stability and progress of the Western Hemisphere.
