Albert R. Ramdin, assistant secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) will be arriving in Jamaica today for a two-day visit.

While in the island, he will hold talks with government leaders, electoral authorities and representatives from the different political sectors competing in the country's August 27 general election.

Mr. Ramdin will also sign an agreement pertaining to the electoral process with Director of Elections, Danville Walker. Another agreement, which sets out the terms of reference as well as privileges and immunities to be accorded the OAS team observing this month's elections, will also be signed with Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Anthony Hylton.

A series of meetings

According to a release from the OAS, Mr. Ramdin, who was named chief of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission, will hold a series of meetings including with Governor General, Professor Kenneth Hall; the General Secretary of the People's National Party (PNP), Donald Buchanan, and representatives of the Jamaica Labour Party, the National Democratic Movement, Citizens Action for Free and Fair Election and the Political Ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair.

The assistant secretary-general emphasised that the OAS intended to collaborate with the Jamaican authorities in their effort to carry out these elections in a normal, transparent manner.

"Electoral observation is one of the fundamental roles of the Organization of American States, and the presence of the international community during this process is an indication of Jamaica's commitment to guaranteeing transparency in this vital exercise of popular expression," said the assistant secretary-general.