CARICOM Backs UN Candidate
Suriname Endorses Guyanese Diplomat Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for United Nations Secretary-General
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Key Points
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President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said CARICOM is a 15-member regional integration movement and explicitly identified it as endorsing Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy.
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Simons argued that the consistent application of international law and the strengthening of international institutions are essential not only for peace and security, but also to protect human rights and ensure sustainable development.
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Beyond CARICOM, Simons highlighted Suriname’s participation in CELAC, the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization and the Brasilia Consensus, while reaffirming support for Africa’s longstanding call for fair and permanent representation on the U.N. Security Council and adequate representation for small Caribbean developing states.
Suriname has endorsed Guyanese diplomat Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as a candidate for the next United Nations secretary-general, calling her the first woman from the Caribbean nominated for the role. Jamaica Gleaner reports that at the 81st U.N. General Assembly, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said the incoming leader must show strong commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, international law, and peaceful dispute resolution.
The CARICOM regional bloc — a 15-member integration movement — backs Rodrigues-Birkett's candidacy. Caribbean Today notes that Geerlings-Simons emphasized smaller and vulnerable countries depend on a rules-based international order to protect sovereignty, human rights, and development. Rodrigues-Birkett will replace António Guterres when his second term ends in December.
Why CARICOM Backs a Caribbean Candidate
Jamaica Gleaner reports that Suriname's President Geerlings-Simons pointed to multiple global crises challenging the U.N.'s credibility. Armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and food and energy crises are weakening confidence in multilateral institutions. Small island nations argue that a secretary-general committed to international law and dialogue can protect weaker states from domination by more powerful ones.
Caribbean Push for UN Reform and Fair Representation
Beyond endorsing Rodrigues-Birkett, Suriname reaffirmed support for Africa's longstanding call for fair and permanent representation on the U.N. Security Council. IJR notes that Geerlings-Simons also emphasized the need for adequate representation for small Caribbean developing states. Suriname highlighted its participation in CELAC, the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, and the Brasilia Consensus to underscore regional commitment to multilateral engagement.
The Path to Strengthening International Institutions
According to Caribbean Today, Geerlings-Simons emphasized that consistent application of international law and strengthening of global institutions are essential not only for peace and security, but also to protect human rights and ensure sustainable development. The endorsement signals Caribbean unity behind a candidate who prioritizes dialogue over conflict and believes vulnerable nations deserve a voice in shaping global policy.
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