Sir Ronald Sanders, the Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the Organization of American States (OAS), has recently assumed the role of the Chair of the Permanent Council. He will hold this position until December 31, 2023.

The transfer ceremony took place at the OAS Headquarters in Washington, DC.

In his address, Ambassador Sanders emphasized the vital importance of teamwork among member states to achieve common objectives.

He also stressed how the periodic rotation of the Chair allows each person to bring unique qualities and perspectives to the role while maintaining the objective of ensuring smooth, non-contentious work and building consensus as much as possible.

Antigua and Barbuda has taken over the position from Audrey Marks, the outgoing Chair and Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the OAS.

The handover was officially conducted by the outgoing Vice Chair and Ambassador of Honduras, Roberto Quesada, in her absence.

Furthermore, the incoming Vice Chair is the Ambassador of Haiti, Leon Charles.

Both the Chair and Vice-Chair positions rotate every three months among the member states of the Organization, in alphabetical and reverse alphabetical order, respectively.