Ambassador Gordon V. Shirley, Jamaica’s new Permanent Representative, presented credentials at the Organization of American States yesterday, stressing how his country remains firmly committed to advancing democracy, peace, security and economic development, while seeking to eradicate poverty, among other hemispheric goals.In presenting his letters of accreditation to Assistant Secretary General Luigi Einaudi, the new Jamaican envoy emphasized the OAS’ impact on the lives of the hemisphere’s citizens. “Jamaica remains firmly committed to the principles and goals of the OAS,” he asserted, applauding the organization’s role in hemispheric development and in brokering resolution of conflicts, including territorial disputes.

Ambassador Shirley called for concrete action on ongoing challenges such as regional security threats from illegal drugs, small arms, organized crime, terrorism and natural disasters. Among other pressing OAS issues, he identified Haiti’s need for assistance to resolve its political, economic and social problems; the region’s economic development needs in light of rapid globalisation and market liberalisation; and the need to modernize the OAS.

He said Jamaica “is aware of the urgency” of hemispheric Summit mandates on OAS modernisation, and he stressed the Caribbean nation’s intention to “participate fully and actively in this task of reforming the Organization to more effectively and efficiently fulfill its mandate.”

He reaffirmed as well “the readiness of Jamaica and our CARICOM partners to work with the OAS to fulfill the mandates contained in Resolution 2058, particularly as they relate to the initiatives for the full restoration of democracy in Haiti.”

Welcoming the new Permanent Representative, Einaudi noted Jamaica is a valued member of the OAS. “Your agenda and the agenda promoted by Prime Minister Patterson - who has our profoundest respect - is an agenda that mirrors that of the needs and future of the hemisphere.”

The Jamaican diplomat, who was accompanied by his Alternate Representative to the OAS, Delrose Montague, paid a courtesy call on the OAS Permanent Council Chair, Nicaragua’s Ambassador Carmen Marina Gutiérrez.

Gordon Shirley is also Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States.  His previous positions included serving as management professor at the University of the West Indies (UWI); executive director of the UWI Mona School of Business; executive chairman of the Jamaica Public Service Company, the light and power company. A Harvard graduate with a Ph.D. in business administration and operations management, Dr. Shirley has authored numerous publications.
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