New Guyana envoy presents credentials to OAS chief

New Guyana envoy presents credentials to OAS chief
Organization of American States / Juan Manuel Herrera

The Organization of American States (OAS) says the new Permanent Representative of Guyana, Riyad Insanally, has presented his credentials to the Secretary General of the institution, Luis Almagro.

The OAS said Insanally highlighted the commitment of his country to multilateralism and international cooperation, “key tools in the work of the OAS.”

“Permit me to, therefore, reiterate the firm commitment of the Republic of Guyana to upholding the principles established by the OAS charter fully cognizant of the virtuous circle we are all seeking to close, that of democracy, human rights, multidimensional security and integral development,” said Insanally in presenting his credentials on Friday.

Almagro, at the same time, underscored the diplomatic experience of the Guyanese ambassador in the region, as well as at the OAS.

Insanally previously served as Guyana’s Representative in Trinidad and Tobago and as an advisor to the former OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin.

“It appears as though Ambassador Insanally has been preparing for this mission during nearly his whole life,” Almagro said. “He has studied the history of Latin America and speaks fluently in Spanish and French.”

Insanally’s presentation follows last Thursday’s by the new Permanent Representative of Jamaica, Audrey Marks.

The OAS said on Thursday that Ambassador Marks, who previously represented Jamaica at the OAS from 2010 to 2012, expressed her support for the work of the Secretary General on democracy and human rights.

She also underscored her country’s backing for the ideals of the organization, according to the OAS.

“Today, I underscore Jamaica’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the OAS, including the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights, the maintenance of peace and security and the advancement of sustainable economic development in the hemisphere,” Marks said.

Almagro noted Marks’ experience in the private sector and in the diplomatic field, “and valued the role played by Jamaica in the hemisphere,” the OAS said.

“We all know and we highly appreciate the contributions of Jamaica to peace and justice, to development, to democracy and human rights,” Almagro said.