WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The Organization of American States (OAS) says Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Antony Anderson on Wednesday presented his credentials to OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin.

During a ceremony at OAS headquarters in Washington, Anderson said, “I look forward to working with you, secretary general, on attaining our common developmental goals for a peaceful, stable and prosperous hemisphere.

“Jamaica greatly values the role of multilateralism in socio-economic development, multi-dimensional security, democracy and human rights,” he said.

The OAS said Anderson also reaffirmed his country’s strong commitment “to upholding the OAS charter and to actively engaging in efforts to foster sustainable development, promote democracy, protect human rights, and ensure the security of the citizens of our region”.

Ramdin said, “Jamaican diplomats and jurists have helped shape the inter-American system, including its legal foundations and its inclusive vision for sustainable development.”

He said Jamaica has also played “a vital role in amplifying the concerns of small island developing states, especially on issues of security, sustainable development and climate resilience”.

Ramdin said Anderson’s “leadership and experience will no doubt serve the organisation well, especially as we collectively confront the complex and interconnected challenges of today’s world”.

The OAS said Jamaica became a member of the hemispheric body in 1969, becoming one of the first Caribbean nations to do so.