Gratitude: farewell remarks to the Permanent Council

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Distinguished permanent and interim representatives to the Organization of American States (OAS), Mr. Secretary General, permanent observers, staff of the General Secretariat, friends all. Allow me to express a feeling that rises from the very depths: gratitude. Thank you very much.

To represent the Dominican Republic, land of sun, culture and hope, in this distinguished chamber has been not only a privilege but an experience, an education and a continuous growth. I confess, and it is visible, that I am moved by all the statements you have made and by your words toward me. I receive your words with humility; they make me feel deeply satisfied and fortunate. I am also filled with gratitude, and with a sense of good fortune, by the presence today of my son Eduardo and by the constant support of Giselle. A thousand thanks for being here. Giselle has not been able to join us, but she too is here.

Madam Chair, I begin my remarks by thanking President Luis Abinader and our Foreign Minister, Roberto Álvarez, for the trust placed in me to lead the Permanent Mission of our country during these four years.

To represent my country, the Dominican Republic, at the OAS has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It has filled me with pride to be the voice of a nation so rich in culture, so strong in character and so noble in spirit. For we Dominicans are a lively and diverse amalgam, a kaleidoscope of culture, tradition and stories that intertwine to form a unique and radiant nation. In our heart lies an irrepressible joy, a spirit that dances to the rhythm of merengue and bachata, celebrating life with an enthusiasm and a passion that shine like the tropical sun that bathes our shores. This joy is neither superficial nor fleeting; it is a deep and lasting spark that lights even the darkest days, a life force that unites and defines us.

Yet this joy would not shine so brightly without the strength of the resilience that also marks us. Like the palms that sway but do not break before hurricane winds, we face adversity with unshakable determination. We have an indomitable spirit that does not bend before difficulty. Resilience is the backbone of our identity, the silent strength that allows us to rise, again and again, without ever losing faith or hope. It is a virtue that has allowed us to sail the stormy seas of our history, always finding a safe harbor from which to resume our voyage with renewed confidence.

The nobility of Dominicans, that subtle yet powerful quality, is another trait that defines our essence. Generosity, humility, empathy and respect for others are values we embody. This nobility is neither a pose nor a disguise; it is a way of life, a deep conviction that guides our dealings and relationships. It shows itself in solidarity in moments of need, in the sincere smile that welcomes our visitors, in the outstretched hand that helps without expecting anything in return. It is a light that shines with quiet elegance, illuminating the path of decency, kindness and compassion. I have always done my best to be an example of that joy, that resilience and the nobility of my people: the qualities that make Dominicans exceptional beings.

Dear colleagues, when I recall the day I presented my credentials to this body, I remember the immense responsibility I felt, but also the pride and the optimism. The OAS has for decades been an essential entity in the process of bringing our continent together, in development and in cooperation, and being able to contribute on this stage has been an honor I will always treasure.

I also felt pride in thinking of all the opportunities I would have to make my country's voice heard and to contribute to the well-being of our region. But perhaps, more than anything, I felt a deep optimism, because I believed, and still believe, in the potential of this Organization and in the future of the Americas.

One thousand three hundred and seventy-eight days later, the debates in this hall, the conversations in the corridors and the negotiations in moments of crisis have strengthened my conviction of the importance of this Organization. The OAS, despite its challenges and controversies, remains a unique space for dialogue and concerted action among our nations.

During my time here, I have been a witness to and a participant in notable progress on matters fundamental to this Organization. We have placed the defense of human rights at the forefront, we have defended democracy and we have taken steps toward sustainable development. These advances are testimony to the power of collaboration and of the shared commitment of sister nations.

But as we look toward the horizon, it is impossible not to reflect on the mountains we have yet to climb. Despite the paths we have traced, we still face inequalities, injustices and challenges. Although our cultural and political differences may at times seem barriers, I have learned to see them as the mosaic that makes the Americas a unique and living continent. I hold the firm conviction that, with sincere dialogue and collaboration, we will turn our challenges into steps toward a more prosperous and just future.

Ambassadors, it is fitting now to express my boundless gratitude to the team of the Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic, to each and every one of the officials who have accompanied me in this period. Your professionalism, dedication and fervor have been essential to our work. These four years have been full of challenges and triumphs, of lessons and of lasting alliances that I will carry with me thanks to you. But this has not been one man's mission; this has been our mission. They have been our achievements. The following message is for you:

Trust has been the compass that guided us, although we have also sailed stormy seas where loyalty faltered. Know, companions, that in turbulent waters there are vessels which, lacking compass and rudder, seek refuge in familiar ports, trying to hide that they are adrift. Those wandering vessels, driven by capricious winds, stand for those who, unable to hold a course, cling to the past to conceal their lack of direction or of capacity. Though they cast no anchor in somber waters, remember the strength and integrity that have been beacons on our voyage. Keep moving forward with the bow held high, mindful of your responsibilities and committed to the ideals that unite us, without allowing the shadows of the past or the treacherous currents of others to darken the luminous horizon that awaits those who do good.

Allow me now to send a message to the younger diplomats and officials who are listening to us and watching us:

The world has changed at dizzying speed in recent decades, and what is expected of a diplomat today is not what was expected thirty, twenty or even ten years ago. It is crucial to show adaptability in order to understand one another and connect. Let us have interdisciplinary knowledge; let us be empathetic, upright and ethical. Let us communicate effectively, with passion and with commitment.

Interdisciplinary knowledge is a crucial quality. It is no longer enough to be an expert in international relations. Global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity and migration require a holistic understanding that combines fields as diverse as science, economics and the social sciences.

Empathy, too, must be at the core of diplomatic service. In so interconnected a world, the problems of one nation are the problems of all. The capacity to put oneself in the place of another, to understand their fears, hopes and aspirations, is essential to building bridges and finding common solutions.

Integrity and ethics are and always will be fundamental pillars of diplomacy. As information flows more freely and the actions of individuals and institutions come under ever greater scrutiny, honesty, transparency and responsibility are more crucial than ever.

Effective communication, in both the traditional and the digital sphere, is essential. In a world where disinformation can spread very quickly, we diplomats must be clear, precise and convincing, and must master the various communication platforms at our disposal.

Last, but not least, passion and commitment. To be a diplomat today is not a profession; it is a vocation. It requires tireless dedication and a firm belief in the capacity of diplomacy to build a better world.

Madam Chair, I wish to devote the final part of my remarks to what I consider most important. Beyond diplomacy, technical matters and politics, what has truly defined these years for me are the human relationships, the friendships forged, the constant exchange of ideas that have enriched our work and, personally, my life. Each of you has left a mark on our hearts and on our minds. Giselle and I are deeply grateful for your kindnesses toward us, for letting us be part of your lives and for sharing so many pleasant and unforgettable moments. We have built an indissoluble bond that will unite us always.

To my illustrious fellow Ambassadors and their respective teams: your wisdom and comradeship have lit my passage through this chamber. María, Rita, Carmen, Luz, Alejandra, Hugh, Sebastián, Frank, Gustavo, Carlos, Mauricio, Roberto, Héctor, Wendy, Sonia, Ronald, Noel, Elizabeth, Lynn, Luis, Samuel, Leon, Raúl, Chet, Lou-Anne, Anthony, Washington, Jan Marten, Monsignor Cruz, Simone, Jean Marie. To the Secretary General, Luis Almagro, to the Assistant Secretary General, Nestor Mendez, and to every member of the OAS, to the officials, to the employees, to all who make the daily life of this Organization possible, I say: thank you very much. Your work, your passion and your commitment make possible what we do here.

So, as I close this chapter of representing my nation, I do not leave empty-handed. I leave enriched with unforgettable memories, acquired wisdom and a renewed confidence in the promising destiny of our region. I urge all of you to continue this noble task, to keep alight the torch of unity, cooperation and solidarity. Although today I step away, my commitment to multilateralism and to the greatness of the region of the Americas will endure. With deep gratitude and an unshakable sense of responsibility, I go forward knowing that I represent not only a country, but a family, a community, an identity that resonates in my heart and in my soul. As I go out through this door, I do so in the certainty that I have sown seeds of change, of progress and of understanding.

Although my role here comes to an end, my heart and my commitment to the Americas remain unshakable. May the winds of unity and cooperation blow in favor of our nations. May God bless you and guide our paths toward a shared destiny of prosperity and understanding.

Thank you very much.