Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, delivered Jamaica’s National Statement at the 55th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly, held June 25–27 in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, under the theme “Building Resilient and Inclusive Economies in the Americas.”
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Ambassador Anderson emphasized that “building resilience is not just a policy aspiration but our lived reality.” He described Jamaica’s economic transformation over the past decade as “remarkable,” crediting sustained reforms for boosting regional stability and enabling more inclusive economic growth across the Americas.
Anderson highlighted Jamaica’s shift from a debt-heavy economy to a regional success story, noting the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio had fallen to 68.7 percent, down from over 140 percent, and that unemployment had reached a record low of 3.5 percent. “Jamaica’s economic recovery marks a significant shift after decades of stagnation,” he said. “In recent years, we have reduced public debt and expanded our productive base across sectors including tourism, agriculture, logistics, creative industries and digital services.”
However, the Ambassador cautioned that these gains remain vulnerable to climate-related shocks. “Every year from June to November, Jamaicans live with the fear that hard-won socio-economic gains could be eliminated with the passage of one severe storm,” he said, calling for increased climate financing and enhanced transboundary cooperation in climate adaptation.
Anderson also reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to inclusive development, referencing national policies that empower youth, women and girls, rural communities, and persons with disabilities. “Growth that leaves behind large segments of our societies is neither just nor sustainable,” he said, drawing a clear link between social inclusion and economic resilience.
Addressing the crisis in Haiti, the Ambassador reiterated Jamaica’s commitment to peace, stability, and democratic governance in the neighboring country, noting that over one million Haitians are now internally displaced, including nearly 60,000 in recent weeks. He said Jamaica has already deployed a 25-member contingent from the armed forces to join the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Joint Task Force as part of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) — a move that comes as Jamaica prepares to assume chairmanship of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government on July 1.
“We owe it to present and future generations to act decisively,” Anderson declared, urging greater support to tackle the multidimensional crisis in Haiti and the broader threat of transnational organized crime, particularly the trafficking of firearms in exchange for food and drugs.
He concluded by stressing the enduring importance of the OAS, saying: “Now more than ever, the Organization of American States is needed to secure peace and justice, promote solidarity, strengthen collaboration, and defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States.” Jamaica, he affirmed, remains committed to working constructively with other Member States to achieve the shared vision for a more prosperous hemisphere.
The three-day assembly was notable for being the first OAS General Assembly held in the Caribbean in over two decades, and the first under Secretary-General Albert Ramdin — the first CARICOM national to hold the post since the Organization’s founding more than 70 years ago.
Ambassador Anderson was officially accredited to the OAS on June 18, 2025.
