Diplomats from across Latin America and the Caribbean have opposed punitive action against Venezuela, after the head of the Organization of American States called for an emergency meeting over whether to suspend Venezuela. Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have criticized the OAS for targeting Venezuela over “grave alterations of democratic order,” while ignoring the ouster of Brazil’s president in what many consider a coup. On Wednesday, the OAS Permanent Council backed a declaration supporting talks between the Venezuelan government and right-wing opposition. The measure fell far short of calls by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro for Maduro to schedule a recall referendum that could remove him from power. Jamaica’s ambassador to the OAS, Julia Elizabeth Hyatt, was among those to oppose Almagro’s handling of Venezuela.

Julia Elizabeth Hyatt: “Jamaica considers totally unacceptable and unfortunate certain recent utterances by the secretary general in his response to the president of Venezuela. We call on the secretary general, in carrying out his duly ascribed functions, to adhere to respectful communications at all times.”

Click here to see our interview with Venezuela’s ambassador to the OAS, Bernardo Álvarez.