In welcoming the election of the new Secretary General, Member States and Associate Members offered him assurances of their support and reiterated their commitment to the goals of the ACS. Delegations also expressed recognition and gratitude for the work and accomplishments of Secretary General Girvan during his term in raising the profile of the Association and keeping alive the dream of a united Greater Caribbean. In his address, the outgoing Secretary General, Professor Girvan congratulated Dr Silié on his appointment and commended him for being "a true Caribbean man with an unquestioned commitment to the development of a Caribbean identify and regional cooperation".

Dr Silié is well known in the Greater Caribbean region as an outstanding historian, sociologist, educator and administrator. His academic achievements include degrees in Sociology, Economic History, Development Studies and Administration & Planning of Further Education.

Since 1996, Dr Silié has been Director of the Latin American Faculty for Social Sciences (FLACSO) in the Dominican Republic. Previous to this, he was Vice Rector of the National University of Santo Domingo (UASD) and Professor at several other national Universities and institutes.

Recognizing Dr Silié's vast experience and expertise in education and migration issues, the government of the Dominican Republic appointed him in 2001 as Advisor to the Vice President and Secretary of State of Education, and Ambassador in the Foreign Ministry.