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IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, OAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL
PARTICIPATES IN ACTIVITIES FOR NATION’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, is in Antigua and Barbuda, where he has been discussing the important role of the hemispheric organization in fostering cooperation on critical development issues. He is also participating in the commemoration today of the Caribbean nation’s 25th anniversary of independence.

Upon arrival Monday, Ambassador Ramdin proceeded to the formal opening of the new parliament building by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. On Tuesday, the Assistant Secretary General paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, and also met with Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Education, Bertrand Joseph, focusing on the respective roles of the OAS and of the Antigua and Barbuda government in improving outreach, skills training, the OAS Fellowship Program and other areas of effective collaboration.

Ambassador Ramdin and Education Minister Joseph discussed past and current projects and the important ongoing role of the OAS in supporting the Antigua and Barbuda government’s effort to promote excellence in education. Ramdin suggested critical ways in which the OAS can be helpful and reminded Joseph that the OAS Office in Antigua and Barbuda is always available to work with the government. Ambassador Ramdin visited the OAS Office in the Antiguan capital and met with the staff to discuss ongoing activities and efforts to implement his strategic plan for the country-based offices.

The Assistant Secretary General later addressed a gathering of students at the Antigua and Barbuda State College, where he elaborated on the structure, work and mandates of the OAS. The OAS contingent also toured the campus and its facilities before holding a press conference with the local media. Ambassador Ramdin took the occasion soon after to visit the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology, where he toured the facilities and exchanged ideas with the staff about how Antigua and Barbuda can maximize opportunities in the information and communication technology age.

Today, Ambassador Ramdin is scheduled to attend the Independence Day ceremonial parade before leaving for Suriname on an official visit.

During the visit to Antigua and Barbuda, Ambassador Ramdin was accompanied by Ambassador Deborah-Mae Lovell, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the OAS; Kevin Isaac, Advisor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary General; and Cecily Norris, OAS Representative in Antigua and Barbuda.

Reference: E-232/06