human and financial resource management, and political agenda setting. “The accusations are not based on accurate facts and present a misrepresented reality. Unfortunately, misrepresentations and fake news must be countered these days. At the same time, this item is an attempt to provide some insight into the inner workings of the OAS,” the organization said in a lengthy statement.

The OAS did not name the source of the article. Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders, wrote in his weekly Caribbean Media Corporation column that the piece appeared “on a website I had never encountered” and called it a hatchet job on OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin, who is from Suriname. Ramdin took office on May 27, succeeding Luis Almagro, and has said actions have been in full accordance with the OAS Charter, rules and procedures, precedents, financial checks and balances, ethics, and the organization’s staff.

Ramdin said he consults regularly with member states and regional groups on strategic policy issues. “It is deeply regrettable that disinformation—often with questionable motives—seeks to undermine public opinion and erode the credibility of an institution dedicated to democracy, human rights, security and development in the Hemisphere,” he stated. He reaffirmed that institutional funds and staffing decisions have been handled with utmost responsibility and in line with the OAS mission, continuing to emphasize transparency and accountability. The OAS noted that, as an international body, it has various organs, processes, and mechanisms to address accusations of corruption or abuse of power. (Jamaica Gleaner)