…Colombian voted in as first female Assistant Secretary General
WASHINGTON, D.C. – ST. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Jacinth Henry-Martin, has extended congratulations to Colombia’s Ambassador Laura Gil on her historic election as Assistant Secretary General (ASG) of the hemispheric body.
Ambassador Gil’s election marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first woman to hold the post. Her victory comes after a competitive race among three female candidates, a development that Ambassador Henry-Martin described as a powerful testament to the growing role of women in regional leadership.
“...this watershed moment represents a powerful emblem of progress and a compelling affirmation that the hemisphere's premier political organisation has demonstrably embraced inclusive, transformative leadership, sending a resounding message of validation to girls and women across the Americas,” Henry-Martin stated. “That the OAS is a place where merit is recognised, barriers are broken, and all voices have a place at the table.
In addition to congratulating Gil, Ambassador Henry-Martin also praised the other two candidates—Ambassadors Ana María Sánchez of Peru and Claudia Escobar of Guatemala—for their impressive bids.
"Excellencies, your candidacies, each marked by impressive experience, unwavering professionalism, and a vision significantly enriched this process. My delegation salutes your historic participation in this process. The fact that the organisation has managed to bring three women together -- powerful women, women who are all certainly capable of competing for such leadership -- is proof of the depth of the talent and the growing transformation in our collective political landscape," she added.
The ambassador expressed confidence in the incoming leadership team of the OAS, which will include Assistant Secretary General-Elect Gil and Secretary General-Elect, His Excellency Albert Ramdin. She said she believes the two will “restore and elevate [the OAS’s] rightful place as a hemispheric and global leader in advancing the core pillars of the organisation: democracy, human rights, security, and development.”
In her remarks following the vote, Ambassador Gil emphasized her commitment to collaborative leadership.
"I will work to become reliable second to the Secretary General, to become his support, to become his rock within the OAS. I am not naive - I know the challenges we have at hand are difficult and complex, but he can count on me to help him succeed,” she added.
During the 57th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly, held yesterday at the organization’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., Gil secured 19 votes in the second round, defeating Ambassador Sánchez, who received 13. In the first round, Gil received 13 votes, Sánchez 11, and Escobar 8.
