WASHINGTON DC – The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert R. Ramdin, will be in Kingston, Jamaica, from August 15 to 17, to hold talks with government leaders, electoral authorities and representatives from the different political sectors competing in the country’s August 27 General Elections.
During his two-day visit, Ramdin, who was named Chief of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission by Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, will sign an agreement pertaining to the electoral process with the Director of Elections, Danville Walker. Another agreement establishing the terms of reference as well as privileges and immunities to be accorded to the OAS team observing this month’s elections will be signed with Foreign Minister Anthony Hylton.
While in Jamaica, the Assistant Secretary General will hold a series of meetings including with Governor General Kenneth Hall; the General Secretary of the Peoples’ National Party (PNP) Donald Buchanan and representatives of the Jamaican Labour Party (JLP), the National Democratic Movement (NDM), Citizens Action for Free and Fair Election (CAFFE) and the Political Ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair.
In addition he will meet with the Diplomatic Corps, who are representatives of the OAS member states resident in Jamaica.
Ambassador Ramdin, and the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), will hold a joint press conference on Wednesday, August 15th at 4:40 pm at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
The Assistant Secretary General emphasized that the OAS intends to collaborate with the Jamaican authorities in their effort to carry out these elections in a normal, transparent manner.
“Electoral observation is one of the fundamental roles of the Organization of American States, and the presence of the international community during this process is an indication of Jamaica’s commitment to guaranteeing transparency in this vital exercise of popular expression,” said the Assistant Secretary General.
He further noted that “elections are a critical element of democracy and of the political life of any country, and I am sure that all citizens of Jamaica are looking forward to a peaceful and orderly lead-up to the elections.”
