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HISTORIC CHANGING OF THE GUARD GIVES INTER-AMERICAN DEFENSE BOARD
AN ELECTED CHAIRMAN

The Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) formally installed its first elected Chairman today, ending 64 years of United States chairmanship as Major General Keith M. Huber of the U.S. Army handed over the leadership to Brazilian Brigadier General Jorge Armando de Almeida Ribeiro. Under the new structure approved earlier this year, making the IADB part of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Chairman is now elected from among the Board’s member countries.
OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, in investing the new Chairman with the authority of office, described the historic development as being in step with the unprecedented expansion and strengthening of democracy in the hemisphere. According to Insulza, the new relationship between democratically elected governments and institutions responsible for national defense is significant, and the new relationship between the OAS and the Defense Board “is a most appropriate way of reflecting this new reality in the Americas.” Insulza applauded the region’s governments for approving the IADB as an agency of the OAS, saying the new relationship is mutually beneficial in facilitating a two-way flow of resources and expertise.
The Secretary General praised the outgoing IADB Chairman for his dedicated service, and welcomed the first elected Chairman and the experience he brings. Insulza also underscored Brig. Gen. Ribeiro’s important contribution to his country’s armed forces, which have also played a key role in peace and security in the region.
Afterwards, Gen. Huber said the transfer of authority with the Secretary General’s participation represents “a profound step into the future—a necessary change in strengthening the relationships between civilian leadership and militaries.” He also described the change as a clear demonstration that, within democratic institutions, militaries are subordinate to civilian authority.
For his part, incoming Chairman Ribeiro recalled the rich history of the Defense Board, highlighting the significant contribution it has made towards hemispheric integration in such areas as humanitarian mine-clearing; consolidating confidence and security-building measures; and preparing manuals and other academic work through of the affiliated Inter-American Defense College. Brig. Gen. Ribeiro also pledged the Board’s commitment to delivering the best technical and academic advice on military- and defense-related matters.
Among those attending the ceremony, presided over by Col. David Williams of Trinidad and Tobago, were OAS Permanent Council Chairman Ambassador Henry L. Illes of Suriname, and OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, and the new IADB Director General, Brigadier General Ancil W. Antoine of Trinidad and Tobago.

Reference: E-154/06