STATEMENT DELIVERED BY CHAIRMAN OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM), AND PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SURINAME, H.E. MR. RONALD RUNALDO VENETIAAN, ON THE ELECTION OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE ORGANISATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS)

The Caribbean Community considers the early election of a new Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) important and necessary in light of the current challenges the hemispheric body is facing.

With the imminent elections of a new Secretary-General scheduled for 7 April 2005 during a Special Session of the General Assembly of the Organisation of American States in Washington, DC, the Caribbean Community wishes to inform that an overwhelming majority of the Community's Member States have indicated, following consultations, their support for the candidate from Chile, His Excellency Jose Miguel Insulza.