Belize Assumes Chairmanship of the Permanent Council of OAS

Belize has taken on the Chairmanship of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) at their headquarters in Washington DC. During a formal ceremony on October fourth, Ambassador Victor Fernandes of Barbados handed over the ceremonial gavel to Ambassador Lynn Young of Belize, marking this significant transition. Belize steps into this leadership role at a crucial time for the hemisphere. Ambassador Young’s appointment highlights Belize’s strong commitment to regional cooperation, democracy, and development—key principles of the OAS. In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Young expressed a deep sense of responsibility in leading the Permanent Council and reaffirmed Belize’s dedication to the core mission of the OAS.

 

Lynn Young, Ambassador, OAS

“His Excellency Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Fernandez, colleagues, distinguished guests, permanent representatives.  It is with great humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the newly appointed chair of the permanent council for the Organization of American States.  I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of this distinguished body, to the members of this distinguished body for entrusting Belize with this important role and I extend my appreciation to our outgoing chair and his vice chair for their exemplary leadership during a challenging period of our hemisphere.”