News

Bridgetown, Barbados – February 20, 2025 – Her Excellency Noemí Espinoza Madrid, Secretary-General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname and Her Excellency Charmain Haakmat-Konigferander, Ambassador of Suriname to CARICOM and the ACS. The meeting took place on the margins of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and discussions centered on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the priorities of the ACS and its Member States.

Minister Ramdin reiterated Suriname’s unwavering commitment to the ACS and expressed his support for Secretary-General Espinoza Madrid in her leadership of the organization and highlighted the potential role it could play in fostering dialogue and commitments from Member States to address regional challenges. Additionally, he welcomed the ACS’s ongoing efforts regarding the development of the organization’s strategic plan and looked forward to its completion. 

Secretary-General Espinoza Madrid expressed gratitude for Suriname's continued support and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the ACS Membership. She emphasized open communication, encouraging all Member States to engage directly with her and the ACS Secretariat. She also welcomed CARICOM's commitment to strengthening its relationship with the ACS, highlighting enhanced collaboration as a priority. 

Secretary-General Espinoza reiterated her vision for the ACS as a platform for regional peace, underscoring that the organization belongs to its Members and encouraging their active engagement in its initiatives. 

The meeting concluded with reaffirming their commitment to fostering cooperation in pursuit of the ACS’s objectives and the advancement of the Greater Caribbean region.