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Suriname, a country that has been increasingly gaining prominence on the international stage, has taken on the role of Chair of the Ministerial Council of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). At the helm of this influential position is Ambassador Albert Ramchand Ramdin, a seasoned diplomat with an impressive track record of over 25 years in international negotiation, multilateral diplomacy, and public policy development.

Ambassador Albert Ramchand Ramdin's Background:

Born in Suriname, Ambassador Ramdin has dedicated his career to public service, holding significant positions both in his home country and international organizations. His experience spans various domains, including international business, diplomacy, development assistance, and project management. Notably, he served as the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) from July 2005 to July 2015, where he played a pivotal role in shaping regional policies and fostering cooperation among member states.

Positions and Achievements:

Ambassador Ramdin's extensive professional journey includes serving as Sr. Director External Relations for Newmont Suriname and as an adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname. He has been involved in numerous initiatives, such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the Trade and Business organization's mining group, and support for political parties like the Progressive Reformist Party.

Key Portfolio and Responsibilities:

Throughout his career, Ambassador Ramdin has taken on crucial responsibilities and played influential roles in international organizations. As Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, he served as the principal advisor to the Secretary General and oversaw public policy coordination and cooperation with various regional and international agencies. He spearheaded the organization of major international conferences, facilitated public-private partnerships, and chaired the Inter Departmental Working Group on Youth and the Haiti Task Force, among other key responsibilities.

Chairmanship and ACS Ministerial Council:

In addition to his previous achievements, Ambassador Ramdin currently holds several concurrent positions, including Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Suriname and Second Vice Chairman of the National Security Committee. However, his most significant role is that of Chairman of the Ministerial Council of the Association of Caribbean States, which he assumed in 2023 and will hold until 2024.

As the Chair of the ACS Ministerial Council, Ambassador Ramdin is well-positioned to lead efforts in strengthening regional integration and addressing the challenges faced by Caribbean nations. Under Ambassador Ramdin's leadership, Suriname is expected to foster closer collaboration among member states, promote diplomacy, and advance the interests of the Caribbean region on the global stage. His extensive network of contacts and expertise in negotiation and diplomacy will undoubtedly contribute to further elevating the profile of Suriname and the ACS as key players in regional and international affairs.

Ambassador Albert Ramchand Ramdin's appointment as the Chair of the ACS Ministerial Council is a testament to his remarkable career and dedication to public service. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Suriname is ideally situated to play a significant role in advancing the interests of the Caribbean region. As the Chair, Ambassador Ramdin will spearhead efforts to strengthen regional integration, promote sustainable development, and address the unique challenges faced by Caribbean nations. Suriname's leadership under Ambassador Ramdin's guidance holds great promise for the future of the Association of Caribbean States and the Greater Caribbean region as a whole.