The New OAS Secretary General, Albert Ramdin, Already Concerned About the Situation in Haiti

WASHINGTON.— In his inaugural address before the OAS Permanent Council, Albert Ramdin, the first Secretary General of Caribbean origin, stressed the urgency of action in the face of the erosion of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Haiti.

“Nowhere on the continent are democracy, the rule of law, security, human rights, and development more threatened than in Haiti,” he declared, painting a grim picture of the current situation. These remarks come in a context of an alarming humanitarian crisis, as Albert Ramdin affirmed that the situation in Haiti is an absolute priority of his mandate.

The alarm raised by Ramdin is part of a deep commitment to restoring stability and strengthening international efforts in collaboration with CARICOM and the United Nations. To achieve this, the new Secretary General announced his intention to relaunch the Group of Friends of Haiti, an essential platform for coordinating international support for the country. Ramdin insists on the need for close and effective collaboration, promoting concrete actions that address pressing needs.

Another concern raised by Ramdin concerns the expiration of the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council, scheduled for February 2026. “We do not have much time,” he warned, emphasizing the need to accelerate to avoid further deterioration of the situation.

Ramdin, succeeding Luis Almagro, signals a probable determination to make his mandate a period of tangible results, striving to accelerate support and aid to nations facing multiple challenges, particularly Haiti.

Jean Mapou