Washington.– The United States Government revoked the diplomatic visa of Xaviera Jessurun, until now chief of staff to the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, amid a criminal investigation she is facing in Suriname for alleged crimes of corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
The measure marks an unprecedented event within the hemispheric body and deepens the controversy surrounding the current management of the OAS. According to reports published from Washington, Jessurun is being investigated by the Surinamese justice system in a case related to the privatization of that country’s state airline.
According to the information, the official was charged in February 2025 for alleged acts of corruption, fraud, and money laundering. Subsequently, the Surinamese authorities revoked her diplomatic passport, despite which she continued to serve at the OAS after being appointed by Ramdin.
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Washington’s decision comes amid growing questions about the administrative and political management of the regional body. Internal documents cited by U.S. media express concern over Jessurun’s appointment and tenure in a high-responsibility position despite ongoing judicial investigations against him.
The case has also generated tensions between the U.S. administration and the leadership of the OAS. Recently released reports indicate that U.S. officials had expressed concerns about the institutional impact that the former chief of staff’s situation could have on the organization’s credibility.
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So far, the OAS has not issued a detailed official position regarding the revocation of the diplomatic visa, while the case continues to generate repercussions within the continent’s main political forum.
