Ambassador to the United States Ralph Thomas presented his credentials as Jamaica’s new Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) to Secretary General of the OAS Luis Almagro at its headquarters in Washington, DC, last Friday.

In his remarks, Ambassador Thomas reassured the Secretary General that Jamaica is fully committed to the OAS charter.

“Today, I underscore Jamaica’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the OAS, including the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights, the maintenance of peace and security and the advancement of sustainable economic development throughout the hemisphere,” Ambassador Thomas said.

He pointed out that Jamaica is willing to work constructively towards the fulfilment of the mandates emanating from the Summit of the Americas and the General Assembly, which were held in April and June, respectively.

Ambassador Thomas expressed interest in working with the Secretary General, the Assistant Secretary General, as well as colleague Permanent Representatives in the restructuring of the Organisation, to ensure that it fulfils the objectives outlined in the Strategic Vision for a more efficient, effective and responsive organisation.

He pointed to some of the challenges that the region faces, including problems of mass migration and increasing irregular migration, organised crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, arms smuggling and unacceptably high murder rates, particularly due to gun violence.

“These are challenges that the OAS can help Member States to address in partnership with other international actors,” the Ambassador said.

Meanwhile, Secretary General Almagro lauded Jamaica for its tradition of providing leadership at the regional and sub-regional levels. He expressed confidence that Jamaica will continue to lead the way in the organisation for a better understanding of peace and cooperation among countries.

The Ambassador was accompanied to the OAS by Jamaica’s Alternate Representative to the OAS Julia Hyatt; the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Jamaica, Marsha Coore-Lobban; Minister-Counsellor for Trade, Ariel Bowen; his wife, Sandra Dixon-Thomas and other members of his family.