Permanent Mission of Guyana to the Organization of American States (OAS)

The Organization of American States is the world’s oldest regional organization and the principal multilateral organization for the Western Hemisphere. All 35 states of the hemisphere are members of the organization and 67 states have been granted Observer status.

Since becoming a Member State of the OAS in 1991, Guyana fully subscribes to the ideals and objectives of the Organization as set out in the OAS Charter, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, Declarations and Resolutions of the OAS and its relevant Treaties and Agreements.

The OAS was established to achieve an order of peace and justice, to promote solidarity among its members, to strengthen their collaboration and to defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. The OAS promotes and strengthens Democracy, defends Human Rights, addresses Security in all its dimensions, fosters Integral Development and Prosperity as well as supports Inter-American legal cooperation among its member states. The Organization plays a leading role in the fight against Drug Trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. The OAS also implements the mandates of the Summits of the Americas.

The OAS carries out activities through the General Assembly, Meetings of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Council, the General Secretariat, specialized conferences, specialized organizations and other entities established by its governing bodies.

The Permanent Council has established five Committees:
• General Committee
• Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs (CAJP)
• Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP)
• Committee on Hemispheric Security (CHS)
• Committee on Inter-American Summits Management and Civil Participation in OAS Activities (CISC)

The Permanent Council establishes other ad hoc committees or working groups when necessary.

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, His Excellency Bayney Karran, served as Chairman of the Permanent Council from October to December 2011 and also as Chairman of the Committee on Hemispheric Security during 2012 to 2013.

Learn more:
• Guyana at the OAS