Ambassador Vasciannie Presents Credentials to OAS Head

Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Professor Stephen Vasciannie, presented his credentials as Jamaica's new Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), on July 18, to Secretary General of the OAS, His Excellency José Miguel Insulza, in Washington, D.C.

In his remarks, Ambassador Vasciannie reassured the Secretary General that Jamaica is fully committed to the OAS’ Charter and to the organisation's essential purposes.

Noting the important OAS projects and programmes from which Jamaica has benefited, the new Ambassador said he looks forward to developing even closer ties with the organisation and its Secretariat.

The newly-accredited Jamaican representative to the OAS congratulated Secretary General Insulza and Assistant Secretary General, Albert Ramdin, on the outstanding leadership and direction they have provided for the hemisphere’s premier organisation. 

Ambassador Vasciannie also took the opportunity to extend greetings on behalf of Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Portia Simpson Miller and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon A.J. Nicholson.

In his reply, Secretary General Insulza lauded Jamaica for its tradition of providing solid leadership at the regional and sub-regional levels.  The OAS Secretary General said he is confident that Jamaica will continue to lead the way in the organisation for a better understanding of peace and co-operation among countries.

Mr.  Insulza said that Ambassador Vasciannie has arrived at a most opportune time, as Jamaica celebrates a significant milestone in its national life – its 50th year of independence. He lauded the people of Jamaica on the significant mark they have been making on the world stage, in numerous fields of endeavour.

Earlier in the day, Ambassador Vasciannie held private meetings with both the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General. 

Among those welcoming Professor Vasciannie  were  Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, LaCelia Prince; Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis, Jacinth Henry-Martin; Ambassador of Barbados, John Beale; Ambassador of Dominica, Hubert Charles; Ambassador of Grenada, Gillian Bristol; and Suriname’s Alternate Representative to the OAS, Kenneth Awoksi.

Ambassador Vasciannie was accompanied to the OAS by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Jamaica, Ms. Cherryl Gordon; Jamaica’s Alternate Representative to the OAS, Mrs. Marsha Coore-Lobban; and Minister Counsellor for Trade at the Jamaican Embassy, Mr. Franz Hall.

On arrival at the Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, on July 17,  the Jamaican Ambassador, his wife, Lesa and family were met by US State Department representatives; the  Deputy Chief of Mission, the Alternate Representative to the OAS and  other Embassy staff members.

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