The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, says the hemispheric body will support discussions on the debt situation in the Caribbean, given the gravity of the challenge facing member states in the region.
Speaking with the Prime Minister of Grenada, Keith Mitchell, in St George’s, Assistant Secretary General Ramdin agreed that the debt issue cannot be ignored by any institution or country, given its direct link to and impact on economic development, stability, security and other key areas.
“We can’t address these issues in isolation. Growing debt is a critical matter as it has a serious impact on everything else. We support the discussions and the review of economic and financial fundamentals. We will continue to work with member states to assist in whatever way we can, so that an integrated Caribbean-led strategy on debt management can be formulated,” said Ramdin.
During his brief visit to the Caribbean, Ambassador Ramdin met with the Prime Minister of Grenada, Keith Mitchell, Foreign Minister Nicholas Steele, and Governor General Cecile La Grenade. In Barbados he met with Foreign Minister Maxine McLean, President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Warren Smith, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill, Sir Hilary Beckles and private sector representatives. He also engaged briefly with the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves.