New government; new opportunities

Inauguration days are exciting times with feelings of optimism and hope that a new government’s election brings: they bring opportunities but also challenges.

Guatemalans exercised their democratic right in record numbers last September and November when they chose Partido Patriota, led by Otto Perez Molina, to govern the country. On 14 January the new President was sworn in, along with Guatemala’s first female Vice President, Roxanna Baldetti, for a four year term. It was an exciting day of activities and we were privileged to be amongst the invited guests at the inauguration along with most regional Heads of State and Spanish royalty. Banks of party supporters added to charged atmosphere.

 The President’s speech promised to bring “profound change” and called for national unity. He majored on three themes:

• Security: he announced task forces to tackle specific criminal activities with the aim of improving the lives of ordinary Guatemalans; restore investor confidence; create jobs; and invigorate the economy. Included is the increased use of the Guatemalan army. This, we know, is controversial amongst some here, but crucially the President said a number of times that Guatemala would uphold human rights.
• Health/Poverty: he referred to Guatemala’s high levels of child malnutrition (4^th highest in the world), poverty and access to health a major obstacles to social stability and country’s development. He has since declared a state of emergency in the health sector.
• Fiscal reform: the objective will be to boost government revenues, not through new taxes but by improving existing mechanisms of revenue collection. The President also committed to improve transparency and tackle corruption.

There will be plenty of scope for closer UK/Guatemala ties as the new government’s priorities bring with them a range of opportunities. On 17 January, I was delighted to officially launch our 3^rd British Week and that representatives of the new government could attend to hear first hand me reinforce our commitment to work with them on a range of issues. Much of this effort will focus on commercial relations, to the benefit of both countries. British Week 2012, between 2-10 March, is a case in point: 8 activities in 10 days will aim to strengthen and deepen trade relations and introduce UK companies to the Guatemalan market, and Guatemalan companies to opportunities in the UK. Some events will be open to the public, so we hope to see you there! Details can be found on our web site and on facebook.

Also on 17 January, I launched an English scholarship competition. Through the collaboration of the International Business Academy, we are running an essay competition to win one of 5 scholarships for English tuition here in Guatemala City!  The deadline for applications is 15 February, and the application form with full contact and scholarship information can be found on our website.  We’re looking forward to receiving your essays on the theme of: “2012 is a key year for commerce, politics and culture in the UK and Guatemala.  How could I use this scholarship to build UK – Guatemala relations?”

Finally, I just wanted to give a shout out to Richard Heap, who designed our British Week logo. He’s a British graphic designer living in Guatemala who has his own company, London Grafix.