In the run up to the International Day for the elimination of violence against women (25 November), we have been involved in a number of events to raise the profile of the issue here in Guatemala. I joined the Ambassadors of France, Sweden and Spain in a high-profile political programme to discuss the role of women here - in a society that is fairly well known for machismo. (For spanish speakers, the video can be seen on the archive of www.libreencuentro.com.gt). Separately, I attended an event with a number of victims of violence. I listened to personal stories, which moved many of us to tears. A mother who lost her 3 little girls 5 months ago - raped and killed on their way home from school. A girl, 21 years old, maimed by her husband after she dared to ask for a divorce. A child's desperate call and screams to the police as his mother is beaten. The saddest thing is that so much of the violence here against women is done by people close to them - husbands, fathers, in-laws. Another source of violence is the gangs... women have been found mutilated with messages carved into their bodies that aim to stake out the gang's presence and power in that neighbourhood.
On a more positive note, I also held a meeting with the group “Vital Voices”. They are part of an international network (www.vitalvoices.org) to help women become leaders across the board - politics, business, press, civil society. They offer very practical assistance through a mentoring scheme to give up-and-coming stars solidarity and help from women already at the top. The hope is that by having more strong female role models in society here, women will be perceived more often as equals, not victims.
This week has also seen a lot of action on Climate Change, ahead of the Summit in Copenhagen next month. With the French Ambassador, I co-hosted an event for Guatemala's Vice-President and Copenhagen negotiating team, Belize's Deputy Prime Minister and the Environment Ministers of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. The aim was to encourage the region to adopt a strong, united voice at Copenhagen. The Ministers have since agreed a joint position, which highlights Central America’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change (both drought and severe flooding) and calls for Copenhagen to produce concrete targets for the reduction of carbon emissions as well as funding to help developing countries do the same. There will be plenty of work to do post-Copenhagen and in the run-up to the next major climate change conference in Mexico to support the region's own efforts to reduce emissions and deforestation.
Posted at 16:33 21 November 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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After 2 weeks on holiday
exploring Argentina (highly recommended!), it was back to a very busy Embassy.
Here's a round-up of work on our key issues:
On El Salvador, we continue to monitor the situation closely,
following the recent flooding and mudslides. I conveyed a kind message of
condolence from the Queen to El Salvador's President and people (text on
our website from 16 November – www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk).
Today, I also held a meeting with Christian Aid to hear the latest on our
UK-supported programme that has been helping communities in El Salvador (and previously in
Honduras) prepare for disasters. The scheme includes practical help to build
flood barriers that protect villages, as well as advice on e.g. developing
local evacuation plans and emergency safe havens.
On Honduras, with only 2
weeks to go until elections, we're reaching crunch-point. Despite the recent
Tegucigalpa-San Jose Agreement (see http://hondurascoup2009.blogspot.com/2009/10/tegucigalpa-san-jose-accord-translation.html
for an unofficial translation), which called for a unity Government by 5
November, the two sides continue to disagree. President Zelaya has not yet appointed representatives to the Unity Government, saying he should first be
returned to power. De facto President Micheletti has urged Congress and the
Supreme Court to address the issue of President Zelaya’s return but says there was no timeline for this in the Agreement. The next couple of weeks
will decide whether many in the International Community (including us) will be able to send observers to monitor the elections.
Consular work sadly
continues to be busy. There have been a number of recent cases of violence
against tourists – we help, for example, liaising with hospitals and police, and updating our travel advice to warn others. We continue to work on our leafleting
campaign to help British tourists avoid trouble. The leaflets will soon be in
the international airport in Guatemala City (they're A5 with a big Union Jack
on the front).
And on climate change, as
we approach the Copenhagen Summit in December, we have ramped up our activities
with the Government, civil society, businesses and the Press to highlight the
importance of an ambitious global commitment that will reduce carbon emissions
and deforestation. Next week, we are hosting jointly with the French Embassy an
event for Guatemala’s Copenhagen negotiating team and the Environment Ministers
of Central America, who are meeting in Guatemala ahead of the Summit.
Last but certainly not least, I attended two remembrance events. I was extremely honoured to lay a wreath at the Remembrance Day service here and to host a lunch for World War II Veterans living in Guatemala. I also attended an event to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall – I remember very clearly being glued to the TV watching it all happen 20 years ago!
Posted at 13:27 13 November 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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Many of you will, I'm sure, be aware of the terrible flooding and landslides in El Salvador. Approximately 150 people have died; more than 13,000 are staying in shelters; and there is considerable damage to roads and bridges. The President has announced a state of national emergency and launched a large rescue and clean-up operation. The European Commission and a number of well-known NGOs (e.g. Oxfam, Caritas, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity) are responding. If you are in El Salvador or have plans to travel there, please check our revised Travel Advice (www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk) or be in contact with our Honorary Consul, who has the latest details from the ground.
Posted at 14:37 11 November 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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Closing in on Copenhagen....A Step Forward in Honduras
Hi, it's David again standing in for Julie. There are 2 things occupying the Embassy this week (apart from the excitement about our new computers that Mark mentioned last week), and that's climate change and Honduras.
Today, the EU Heads of Mission based here in Guatemala had published, in a leading daily newspaper (Prensa Libre), an article on climate change. It's about our hopes for December’s Summit in Copenhagen, and it refers to a map that shows the global consequences of failing to keep climate change to under 2 degrees Celsius. This map was launched in London on 22 October. Looking at it should make us all feel uncomfortable: take a look yourself, it's on our web site.
Ahead of the Copenhagen Summit, the British Government is aiming for an agreement that limits climate change as far as possible to 2 degrees Celsius. Increases of more than this will have huge impacts on the world - as you can see from the map! So we are pressing for the most ambitious deal possible in order to avoid these dangerous impacts.
Meanwhile in Honduras we have an agreement signed late last week, after intervention from the US. This is a positive development, but there’s still work to be done with the Supreme Court and Congress both needing to approve the deal, which includes the return of President Zelaya to power. We hope that the process can move forward in time for there to be free and fair elections later this month and an outcome the international community can recognise, for the future of Honduras.
We would like to hear from you about these two issues and anything else that might be on your mind!
Posted at 18:17 04 November 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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Hi there, it’s Mark in the chair for Jules this week whilst she is taking a break. Myself, I have just returned from a balmy UK, but am nonetheless content to be enjoying temperatures above 20C.
Whilst in the UK I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the England versus Belarus football game on 14 October. You're all aware of the result by now, but I must say that Wembley Stadium is mightily impressive…. and Peter Crouch is so tall!
The stadium will make a stunning venue for events at the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. I should take this opportunity to add that this weekend marks 1000 days until the opening ceremony, which will take place in London on 27 July 2012. To mark the occasion the city of London will be lighting up the sky with a spectacular firework display. You can learn more about the Games' preparations on the London 2012 website.
Here at the Embassy, preparations are gathering pace for our new computer system we hope to be receiving soon. It's incredible the challenges that crop up during such projects. We are to receive 6 pallets of equipment, but the logistical nightmare of getting a vehicle with a low enough headroom into our basement car park has tested everyone's negotiating skills.
We have exciting news for any candidates seeking to complete an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam here in Guatemala. Denise Long, Head of IELTS operations at the British Council in Mexico City, has visited Guatemala with a view to proposing increasing the number of testing sessions in the country from 2 to 4 per year. Demand for this highly important exam continues to grow, so I'm sure this is welcome news.
Honduras is never too far off the centre of our radar. Finally things there look promising & hopefully we shall see an end to the crisis in the coming days. The Hondurans have much work to do, but the progress that has been made over the last couple of days is encouraging.
Take care & have a great weekend. And drop us a line if you have time!
Posted at 11:14 30 October 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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The radio is very popular here in Guatemala - particularly for commuters stuck in traffic. So I jumped at an invitation this week to talk on Radio Punto about the work of the Embassy, and to join my colleagues from Mexico, Sweden and Germany at an 0700 show on Radio Infinta to talk about climate change. Armed with some strong coffee, we talked about the importance of the Summit in Copenhagen; the work we are doing to reduce deforestation; and the opportunities for clean energy in the region - from hydro and solar to lively volcanoes and jatropha biodiesel. (Jatropha is a native plant that can grow in dry, salty land. It's one of the possibilities for generating aviation fuel in the future.)
But luckily - at the end of another busy week - I am now handing over to my deputy David (sadly not David Beckham!) as I try catch some holiday. He's kicking off with the following on weapons in Guatemala:
"I was struck by the headline in Prensa Libre that Guatemala has more weapons than any other Central American country. According to statistics there are over a million weapons in circulation here, of which 800,000 are so illegally. The unregulated supply of arms fuels conflict and undermines stability. This is why the UK supports the development of an international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). An ATT would be a legally binding agreement between States that would help to regulate the global arms market and prevent weapons reaching the hands of those who seek to undermine democracy, hinder development and abuse human rights. An ATT will save lives. Let me know what you think."
Spanish text
Diplomacia Radial
La radio es muy importante acá en Guatemala – particularmente para los que están atorados en el tráfico. Así que asistí a una invitación esta semana para hablar en Radio Punto acerca del trabajo de la Embajada, y para que se nos unieran nuestros colegas de México, Suecia y Alemania en un programa de radio a las 07:00 en Radio Infinita para hablar sobre cambio climático. Armada con café fuerte, hablamos sobre la importancia de la Cumbre en Copenhague; el trabajo que estamos haciendo para reducir la deforestación; y sobre las oportunidades para energía limpia en la región – de hidro y solar hasta volcanes activos y biodiesel jatropha (jatropha es una planta nativa que puede crecer en tierras secas y saladas. Es una de las posibilidades para generar combustible para aviación en el futuro).
Pero con suerte – al final de otra semana ocupada- estoy entregando ahora a mi segundo David (tristemente no David Beckham!) para poder tomas unas vacaciones. El va a comenzar con lo siguiente sobre armas en Guatemala:
"Estuve impresionado con el titular en Prensa Libre que Guatemala tiene más armas que cualquier otro país de Centro América. De acuerdo a las estadísticas, hay más de un millón de armas en circulación, de las cuales 800,000 son ilegales. El suministro no regulado de armas alimenta el conflicto y socava la estabilidad. Es por esto que el Reino Unido apoya el desarrollo de un Tratado de Comercio de Armas. El TCA podría ser un acuerdo vinculante entre Estados que podrían ayudar a regular el mercado de armas globales y prevenir que estos lleguen a manos de quienes quieren socavas la democracia, dificultar el desarrollo y abusar derechos humanos. El TCA salvaría vidas. Cuéntenme qué piensan".
At Radio Punto and with the Ambassadors of Sweden, Mexico and Germany at Radio Infinita
Posted at 15:19 23 October 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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David here…Wow, what a nail biting end to qualifying for next year's football World Cup in South Africa. Unlucky to Costa Rica (although they still have a play-off chance). But congratulations to Honduras! Now we can look forward to the very real prospect of England playing Honduras, so the possibility of Beckham lining up against Pavón, the hero of last night's game against El Salvador. We'll find out when the draw is made in South Africa in December.
From my time at the British High Commission in Pretoria, I know that South Africa will put on a great show, a festival of football. England hopes to do the same in 2018 as it is bidding to host the tournament then. A team from the Football Association will be visiting Guatemala soon to present the bid - Guatemala holds one of the three CONCACAF votes that we would love to secure.
In the meantime, I'm going to go and buy an alarm clock to get ready for the early kick-offs from South Africa next year.
Spanish text
Beckham V Pavón?
Soy David.. que final de morderse las uñas para calificar al Mundial de Fútbol el próximo año en Sudáfrica. Sin suerte para Costa Rica (aunque aún tienen la oportunidad de un juego). Pero felicitaciones a Honduras! Ahora podemos ver un prospecto real de Inglaterra juntando con Honduras, así que podemos ver la posibilidad de que Beckham juegue en contra de Pavón, el héroe en el partido de anoche contra El Salvador. Averiguaremos cuando el sorteo para los cuadros se realice en diciembre en Sudáfrica.
De mi tiempo en el Alto Comisionado en Pretoria, yo sé que Sudáfrica va a realizar un gran espectáculo, un festival de fútbol. Inglaterra espera realizar lo mismo en el 2018 ya que está solicitando ser el anfitrión del torneo entonces. Un equipo de la Asociación de Fútbol va a visitar Guatemala pronto para presentar su solicitud – Guatemala tiene uno de los tres votos de la CONCACAF que quisiéramos asegurar.
Mientras tanto, voy a ir a comprarme un reloj con alarma para estar listo para los juegos iniciales en Sudáfrica el próximo año.
Posted at 14:54 15 October 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[3]
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Imagine an earthquake and a sinking cruise ship...
As I look out of my office window at volcanoes (two of which are smoking!), I appreciate even more the exercise we did this afternoon to test our Embassy emergency plans. The scenario was a large earthquake in Honduras. Its epicentre was Roatan - a beautiful and popular diving resort. To add to the challenge, our Consul added in a cruise-ship (like the ones that regularly carry over 250 British passengers to this region) swamped in an ensuing tsunami. The scenario is, of course, worst case to test us as much as possible. But it's also not impossible - Honduras suffered an earthquake and tsunami warning in May.
We practised the roles we would each take; checked that our emergency equipment worked - radios, satellite phones, medical, generators etc; and tested each other´s ability to answer stressful phone calls. We also practised logging details on our consular database (LOCATE). In a real emergency, this database could play an important role in tracking down missing Brits and helping those caught up in the event...so please do register with us (e.g. to provide emergency contacts) if you are living or travelling in Honduras, Guatemala or El Salvador - http://ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk. As much as anything, the exercise was a chance for us as a team to think through the key issues and difficulties we would face in the event of a crisis. Thankfully, it was only an exercise to test an event that remains unlikely. But I think we all felt better for the practice at responding to an emergency - just in case.
Spanish text
Imaginen un terremoto y un crucero hundiéndose…
Mirando afuera de mi ventana en la oficina a los volcanes (dos de los cuales tienen humo!) estoy apreciando cada vez más el ejercicio que realizamos esta tarde para probar los planes de emergencia de la Embajada. El escenario fue un gran terremoto en Honduras. Su epicentro fue Roatan – un bello y popular lugar para bucear – Para añadir al reto, nuestro Cónsul añadió que un crucero (como los que regularmente tienen 250 pasajeros británicos a esta región) se topó con un tsumani. El escenario es, por supuesto, lo peor posible para probarnos al máximo. Pero también no es imposible – Honduras sufrió un terremoto y alerta de tsunami en mayo.
Practicamos los papeles que cada quien llevaría a cabo; chequeamos que nuestro equipo de emergencia funcionara – radios, teléfonos satelitales, médico, generadores, etc; y probamos la capacidad de cada uno de responder a llamadas estresantes. También practicamos colocar detalles en nuestra base de datos consular (LOCATE). En una emergencia real, esta base de datos podría jugar un papel importante en darle seguimiento a británicos desaparecidos y a ayudar a aquellos atrapados en el evento… así que por favor regístrense con nosotros (por ejemplo para proveer contactos de emergencia) si ustedes están viviendo o viajando hacia Honduras, Guatemala o El Salvador – http://ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk. Lo mejor de todo es que el ejercicio nos dio una oportunidad como equipo de pensar en los asuntos más importantes y las dificultades que afrontaríamos en evento de una crisis. Afortunadamente, fue solamente un ejercicio para examinar un evento que tal vez no suceda. Pero considero que todos nos sentimos mejor por la práctica de responder a una emergencia – sólo por si acaso.
Posted at 12:29 13 October 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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Since 70% of Guatemalans are under 30 and key to changes that require long-term commitment, we like to work with them. In the spirit of this, I recently went to speak at San Carlos University on the issue of "women in politics". We talked about the challenges - a UN map shows only 12% of Guatemala's Congress are women (though compared to only 19% in the UK). We discussed the benefits of a more representative system; some of the reasons behind why so few women currently enter politics; and the possibilities for change. One subject was quotas - both the positive and negative effects they can have. I was asked if I planned to have a family as well as my career. I said I felt lucky - the Foreign Office allows career breaks and flexible working for just that reason.
In another area of work for us, we helped launch "Recycling for my country" - the project I mentioned in my last blog. The idea is for schools and universities to make a big effort for a short time (until 30 November) to recycle paper. Money gained from recycling will then go to fund the building of basic housing for some of Guatemala's poorest families - just in time for Christmas. We have had some great support, including from two pop-stars here: Carlos Pena, the winner of Latin American Idol, who spoke passionately about young people helping to tackle Guatemala's problems, and Fabiola who at only 16 is already very popular; from the Municipality and Ministries of Environment and Foreign Affairs; and the French Ambassador. Congratulations to "Jovenes por Guatemala" for this fantastic effort. And a special thank you to Fabiola and Marianela from the Embassy who worked so hard to pull this altogether. If anyone reading this would like to get involved - e.g. companies who would like to help by providing collection points for recycling or schools looking to participate - please contact me.
And finally over the last couple of days, I have hosted a conference for all British Ambassadors in the region. We discussed the final run-up to the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen and how we can work with the region to get the most ambitious deal possible. At a reception, Guatemala's Environment Minister spoke passionately about the changes that are already happening in Central America from rising temperatures on land and at sea. Across the world, we all urgently needed to move to clean energy sources - his Ministry is already working out how Guatemala could do this to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions. This will feed into the important debate about how developing countries can be helped to grow in a low-carbon way.
Spanish text
El poder de la gente joven
Ya que el 70% de los guatemaltecos tienen menos de 30 y son primordiales para los cambios que requieren un compromiso de largo tiempo, nos gusta trabajar con ellos. Es en este espíritu, que recientemente fue a dar un discurso a la Universidad de San Carlos sobre el asunto de “mujeres en política”. Platicamos sobre los retos – un mapa de la UN demuestra que solamente el 12% del Congreso de Guatemala con mujeres (comparado con solamente el 19% en el Reino Unido). Discutimos los beneficios de un sistema más representativo; algunas de las razones por las que tan pocas mujeres entran a la política; y las posibilidades de cambio. Un tema fueron las cuotas – con sus efectos tanto negativos como positivos. Me preguntaron si planeaba tener familia y una carrera y les dije que me sentía afortunada – el Foreign Office permite descansos en la carrera y trabajo flexible por esa misma razón.
En otra área de trabajo para nosotros, ayudamos a lanzar “Reciclando por mi País” – el proyecto que mencioné en mi último blog. La idea es que los colegios y universidades hagan un gran esfuerzo por un corto tiempo (hasta el 30 de noviembre) para reciclar papel. El dinero obtenido del reciclaje irá a un fondo para construir vivienda básica para algunas de las familias más pobres de Guatemala – justo en tiempo para Navidad. Hemos tenido un gran apoyo, incluyendo de dos celebridades juveniles acá: Carlos Peña, el ganador de Latin American idol, quien habló apasionadamente acerca de los jóvenes de Guatemala ayudando a combatir algunos problemas del país y Fabiola Rodas quien a sus 16 años ya es muy popular; de la Municipalidad, Ministerios de Ambiente y Relaciones Exteriores y de la Embajadora Francesa. Felicitaciones a “Jóvenes por Guatemala” por este fantástico esfuerzo. Y muchas gracias en especial a Fabiola y Marianela de la Embajada quienes trabajaron arduamente para que todo saliera bien. Si alguien que esté leyendo esto quisiera involucrarse – por ejemplo compañías que quieran ayudar proporcionando puntos de recolección o escuelas que quieran participar – por favor escríbanme.
Y finalmente, durante los últimos días, he sido anfitriona de una conferencia para todos los Embajadores Británicos en la región. Discutimos cómo estamos trabajando hacia las negociaciones de cambio climático en Copenhague y cómo podemos trabajar juntos en la región para obtener el acuerdo más ambicioso posible. En una recepción, el Ministro de Medio Ambiente de Guatemala habló apasionadamente sobre los cambios que ya están pasando en Centro América desde subidas de temperatura en tierra y mar. A través del mundo, todos necesitamos urgentemente movernos hacia fuentes de energía limpia – su Ministerio ya está trabajando en sobre cómo Guatemala podría reducir la deforestación y las emisiones de carbono. Esto alimentará el importante debate sobre cómo los países en desarrollo pueden ser ayudados a crecer con bajas emisiones de carbono.
At San Carlos University
Launching "Recycling for my country"
Posted at 18:30 09 October 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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I can’t believe it’s been a week since I last wrote! Honduras continues to keep us busy. Importantly, given the potential volatility of the situation there, we have now changed our travel advice to advise against all but essential travel to Honduras - not a step we take lightly. Our Foreign Office Minister, Chris Bryant, also issued a further statement: 'The UK is becoming increasingly concerned at the lack of progress on mediation following the coup in Honduras. As a result, I can confirm that we are now considering imposing travel restrictions against ten key individuals we believe to be obstructing the mediation efforts of President Arias and the Organisation of American States. The decision to consider targeted measures is in line with similar moves in the United States and Spain, which we fully support. As I said on 22 September, the United Kingdom continues to calls on both sides in this crisis to avoid any steps that could lead to further violence. Both sides must engage fully in a peaceful and constructive dialogue - with the ultimate objective of returning Honduras to constitutional government without delay.' To give a flavour of the rest of the week, I met: the Vice-President and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the Copenhagen climate negotiations; HSBC who are opening a representative office here; and several NGOs and businessmen to discuss Honduras. I took part in a ceremony to address several hundred children about the power of young people to bring about change (I had in my mind the generational shift against drink driving in the UK). I was also lucky enough to meet Miss Guatemala (who is keen to help promote environmental awareness here) and "Jovenes por Guatemala" - part of the group who organised Football for Peace. They keep coming up with good ideas! This time they are working to encourage young people to recycle here in the City. More to follow! http://jovenesporguatemala.org/. Last but not least, we’ve had our Honorary Consuls (except from Tegucigalpa) and network of wardens here to talk about consular work in the region. Honorary Consuls are our consular staff in countries where we don't have diplomatic representation; Wardens are our network of kind British volunteers who would help us in a crisis. They all have day jobs but still manage to help us help Brits living and travelling in the region. We hosted a reception to show them our gratitude, as well as to thank others who have also helped us enormously with consular work this year - from airlines to the national disaster authorities to travel agencies and other embassies. Spanish text El tiempo vuela en Centro América No puedo creer que ya pasó una semana desde que escribí la última vez! Honduras continúa manteniéndonos ocupados. Primordialmente, dato a la potencial volatilidad de la situación allí, ahora hemos cambiado nuestros Consejos de Viaje para recomendar que no se viaje a Honduras a menos que sea muy esencial – algo que no tomamos a la ligera. Nuestro Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Chris Bryant, también emitió el siguiente comunicado: “El Reino Unido está incrementando su preocupación por la falta de progreso de mediación después del Golpe en Honduras. Como resultado, les puedo confirmar que estamos ahora considerando imponer restricciones de viaje contra diez individuos importantes que creemos están obstruyendo los esfuerzos de mediación del Presidente Arias y la OEA. La decisión de considerar de tomar estas medidas está en línea con movimientos similares de Estados Unidos y España, a quienes totalmente apoyamos. Como les dije el 22 de septiembre, el Reino Unido continua llamando a ambos lados de esta crisis a evadir situaciones que puedan llevar a más violencia. Ambos lados deben comprometerse completamente en un diálogo pacífico y constructivo – con el último objetivo de regresar a Honduras a un gobierno Constitucional sin demora”. Para darle sabor al resto de la semana, me reuní con el Señor Vice Presidente y con el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores para discutir las negociaciones de cambio climático de Copenhague; HSBC quienes están abriendo una oficina representativa aquí; y con varias ONG´s y hombres de negocios para discutir sobre Honduras. Tomé parte en una ceremonia para platicarles a cientos de jóvenes sobre el poder que tiene la juventud de traer cambios (tenía en mente el cambio generacional contra manejar tomado en el Reino Unido). También tuve la suerte de conocer a Miss Guatemala (quien está muy interesada en promover la consciencia ambientalista acá) y “Jóvenes por Guatemala” – parte del grupo que organizó el juego de fútbol contra la violencia. Ellos siguen teniendo muy buenas ideas! Esta vez ellos están trabajando en motivar a los jóvenes a reciclar en la Ciudad. Más por venir! http://jovenesporguatemala.org/. Por último, pero no menos importante, tuvimos a nuestros Cónsules Honorarios (excepto de Tegucigalpa) y los colaboradores consulares para platicar sobre el trabajo consular en la región. Los Cónsules Honorarios con nuestro personal consular en los países donde no tenemos representación diplomática; los colaboradores consulares son nuestra red de buenos británicos voluntarios quienes nos podrían ayudar en una crisis. Todos ellos tienen sus propios trabajos, pero aún así nos ayudan a ayudar a británicos viviendo y viajando en la región. Organizamos una recepción para demostrarles nuestro agradecimiento, así como para agradecer a otros quienes también nos han ayudado enormemente con el trabajo consular este año –desde aerolíneas hasta oficinas de reducción de desastres, agencias de viajes y otras embajadas.
Our Consul Carl on a visit to the British community in Panajachel
Jovenes por Guatemala meet some of the Embassy team
Posted at 18:55 30 September 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[1]
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Since the news that President Zelaya returned yesterday to Honduras, we’ve been working hard to keep London (and our high-level delegation at the UN meetings in New York) aware of the latest developments. Fortunately, one of our team is currently in Tegucigalpa, which means we’re getting quick, first-hand updates. On the consular side, we have had a number of Brits in touch with us from Honduras. Anyone reading this wanting to know more should continue to monitor our website Travel Advice (updated yesterday and again this afternoon) and be in touch with our Honorary Consuls. On the political front, our Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant has just issued the following statement: "Following President Zelaya’s return to Tegucigalpa, I would like to add my voice to the international calls that both sides refrain from any action that could lead to an increase in tension and violence in Honduras. To that end, we condemn today's decision by the Honduran Security Forces to move the peaceful demonstrators outside the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa. What is most important at this time, is that this both sides look for opportunities for a peaceful and constructive dialogue - with the ultimate objective of returning Honduras to constitutional government at the earliest possible time." Spanish Text Desde la noticia de que el Presidente Zelaya regresó ayer a Honduras, hemos estado trabajando duro para mantener a Londres (y nuestra delegación de alto nivel en las reuniones de las Naciones Unidas en Nueva York) al tanto de las últimas novedades. Afortunadamente, un miembro de nuestro equipo se encuentra actualmente en Tegucigalpa, lo que significa que estamos recibiendo rápidas actualizaciones de primera mano. En el lado consular, hemos tenido un número de británicos que han estado en contacto con nosotros desde Honduras. Cualquiera que se encuentre leyendo esto y quiera saber más sobre la situación en Honduras debe monitorear el sitio de Consejos para el viajero (actualizado ayer y esta tarde) y estar en contacto con nuestros Cónsules Honorarios. En el frente político, nuestro Viceministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Chris Bryant, acaba de emitir la siguiente declaración: "Tras el regreso del Presidente Zelaya de Tegucigalpa, quiero sumar mi voz a los llamamientos internacionales que ambas partes se abstengan de cualquier acción que pueda conducir a un aumento de la tensión y la violencia en Honduras. Para ello, condenamos la decisión de hoy por las Fuerzas de Seguridad de Honduras para remover a los manifestantes pacíficos que se encontraban frente a la Embajada de Brasil en Tegucigalpa. Lo más importante en este momento, es que ambas partes busquen oportunidades para una el diálogo pacífico y constructivo - con el objetivo final de volver a Honduras a un gobierno constitucional con la mayor brevedad posible ".
Posted at 19:14 22 September 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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We´ve had a great few days in Guatemala. Tuesday was Independence Day. We celebrated with the Guatemalan-British School here in the City who joined us on a parade down one of the main avenues with their school band. I was particularly impressed with the girls who managed to salsa along with them for some 3km! More than anything, it was just lovely to see a country come alive in celebration. Despite all the problems, Guatemala is a wonderful place to be.
And last night was the moment I had been nervously waiting for - a football match organised by "Youth against Violence", bringing together ex-gang members, police, diplomats, politicians, football players, artists and businessmen in a joint voice to say "Ya Basta" - it's a great Spanish phrase to say "Enough's enough". I loved this event because the point of it was to say it is not just about what the Government or the International Community should do to stop violence in Guatemala. But what every Guatemalan needs to do to make such high levels of violence a thing of the past. I admit it's scarily easy to become apathetic, overwhelmed and frankly scared when you hear about the 17 murders day in day out. This match was a fight against all of those negative feelings and was a loud, united shout for change. The atmosphere was brilliant.
Many, many congratulations to Pedro and all the "Jovenes Contra La Violencia" who must be so proud of what they achieved last night. And many congratulations also to Salvador Gandara (Mayor of Villa Neuva) who won "Man of the Match", for which we donated a Liverpool hat and football signed by Ian Rush.
Qué grandiosos días hemos pasado últimamente en Guatemala. El martes fue el Día de la Independencia. Celebramos con estudiantes del Liceo Guatemalteco-Británico, quienes nos acompañaron en un desfile por una de las principales avenidas de la ciudad con su banda de la escuela. ¡Me impresionó especialmente ver a las chicas que bailaron junto a la banda por cerca de 3 kilómetros! Más que nada, era simplemente hermoso ver a un país que cobra vida en tan importante celebración. A pesar de todos los problemas, Guatemala es un lugar maravilloso para estar.
Y anoche fue el momento en que había estado esperando con nerviosismo - un partido de fútbol organizado por “Jóvenes contra la violencia”, que reúne a ex miembros de pandillas, policías, diplomáticos, políticos, futbolistas, artistas y empresarios con una voz común para decir “Ya Basta”- es una frase en español brillante para decir “basta, es suficiente”. Me encantó este evento porque el punto que se intento transmitir fue que no sólo basta el esfuerzo del Gobierno local o la comunidad internacional, sino el de todos los guatemaltecos que deben trabajar juntos para que la violencia sea una cosa del pasado. Tengo que admitir que es aterradoramente fácil llegar a ser apáticos, abrumador y francamente aterrante cuando uno escucha sobre 17 asesinatos al día. Este partido fue una lucha contra todos los sentimientos negativos y un fuerte llamado para el cambio. El ambiente fue genial.
Muchas, muchas felicitaciones a Pedro y todos los "Jóvenes Contra la Violencia", que deben estar muy orgullosos de lo que lograron ayer por la noche. Y muchas felicidades también a Salvador Gándara (Alcalde de Villa Nueva) que obtuvo el título de "Hombre del Partido", y a quien donamos una gorra del equipo Liverpool y firmada por Ian Rush.
Posted at 13:10 17 September 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[5]
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Increasing attacks on Human Rights Defenders
Hi, it’s David - Julie’s Deputy here (another newbie to Guatemala). Last week I was struck by the press coverage here about the increasing level of attacks on human rights defenders in Guatemala. According to statistics, published by UDEFEGUA (Unidad De Proteccion De Defensoras Y Defensores De Derechos Humanos Guatemala), there had been 257 recorded attacks so far in 2009. Compare this to the whole of 2008 when there were 220 (compared to 127 in 2003, so virtually doubling in 5 years).
So it is clear where the trend is heading and it’s worrying. The EU Group on Human Rights discussed the matter at its monthly meeting on 8 September and recommended that EU Ambassadors raise it formally with the Guatemalan Government, which they did on 9 September.
The UNDEFEGUA’s statistics are even more worrying as the perpetrators of these crimes enjoy almost total impunity – something that I have learnt a lot about since I arrived. But there are examples of the justice system here working, for instance the sentencing in June of the man responsible for the murder of Human Rights Defender, Israel Carias, and his sons in 2007.
The protection of human rights is one of the pillars of the UK’s foreign policy, and an important part of our work here in Guatemala. Human Rights defenders play a key role upholding the protection of human rights, and they too have the right to the same freedoms and security that you and I are entitled. What do you think about this issue?
Posted at 15:56 14 September 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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Guatemala's President announces state of emergency
I'm just back from a meeting held by the President to call for international help to tackle the issue of hunger in Guatemala. Due to very little rain and failed harvests, some 2.5m people are now at risk. Importantly, the Government is also looking at some of the long-term structural issues in agricultural planning to try to prevent a recurring problem. This effort is being led by an ex-Chevening scholar, who attended a Chevening get-together we held a couple of nights ago.
A few other events this week - our Green Team had a visit from Tony Lloyd MP (on a private programme with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy). We celebrated 2 years of CICIG in Guatemala - the UN's effort against organised crime and corruption here. And as we ramp up for Independence Day celebrations here next week, I attended an event in Congress. Senor Alcade Arzu (Mayor of Guatemala City and a popular ex-President) gave a speech, in which he suggested military involvement in Guatemala´s education system as part of an approach to strengthen respect in society. I´d be interested to hear your views.
And finally, I´m getting in some last minute training for a football match on 16 September to support "Las Jovenes contra la violencia" - a group of young Guatemalans who are appealing for an end to violence here. The concept is poignant… a 90 minute game to represent the fact that there is on average a murder in Guatemala every 90 minutes. For anyone wanting to support this important event (and with a free chance to laugh at my terrible football skills!), tickets are available from jcvtickets@gmail.com.
Y en español.. Acabo de regresar de una reunión con el Presidente donde solicita ayuda internacional para enfrentar el asunto del hambre en Guatemala. Debido a la poca lluvia y pérdida de cosechas, 2.5 millones de personas están ahora en riesgo. Con importancia, el gobierno también está buscando soluciones estructurales a largo plazo y planificación agrícola para prevenir que esto se vuelva un problema recurrente. Estos esfuerzos de planificación están siendo dirigidos por un ex-becario Chevening, quien asistió la reunión de Chevening que tuvimos hace un par de noches atrás.
Algunos otros eventos para esta semana - nuestro equipo Ecológico tuvo la visita de Tony Lloyd MP (miembro del Parlamento Británico) que venía en una visita privada de la Fundación Westminster para la Democracia. También celebramos 2 años de CICIG en Guatemala, que es un esfuerzo de NU para combatir el crimen organizado y la corrupción aquí. Así como nos acercamos a las celebraciones del Día de la Independencia próximamente, asistí a un evento inaugural en el Congreso. El Señor Alcalde Arzú (Alcalde de la ciudad de Guatemala y un ex-presidente popular) pronunció un discurso, en el cual sugería un modelo de educación civico-militar en Guatemala como parte de una estrategia para fortalecer el respeto en la sociedad. Me interesa en sus pensamientos.
Y finalmente, me estoy involucrando en un entrenamiento de último momento por un partido de football el 16 de septiembre para apoyar a los "jovenes contra la violencia" - un grupo de jóvenes guatemaltecos que están apelando el fin de la violencia aquí. El concepto es conmovedor.... un juego de 90 minutos representa el hecho que en promedio hay un asesinato en Guatemala cada 90 minutos. Para aquellos que quieran apoyar este importante evento (y con la oportunidad gratis de reírse de mis terribles habilidades footbolísticas), hay tickets disponibles en jcvtickets@gmail.com
Posted at 18:25 11 September 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[0]
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I’ve spent the last week in El Salvador. It’s a fascinating country - small with a population of about 5m (another 2m live abroad) and beautiful (though it has lost 85% of its forest since 1960). Its people have a reputation for being hard working and entrepreneurial. Like the UK, El Salvador focuses a lot on the service industry and being a hub for e.g. communications and transport. It has over 150 miles of beach and some of the best surfing in the world - even Aussies come here to catch some waves! And it has a new Government only 100 days old, following a peaceful change from Right to Left via the ballot box. The Government has no easy task. The global financial crisis has hit El Salvador’s economy (which is dollarised and heavily linked to the US) hard. Remittances from those working abroad are down by 10%, which will affect some of the poorest families. The maras (gangs) are strong, increasingly organised and contribute to one of the highest murder rates in the world. El Salvador's population is also pretty divided. Some want big changes to tackle poverty. Others worry about the impact of big changes on the viability for businesses. President Funes has highlighted President Lula in Brazil as a key role model. While the jury is still out in El Salvador, recent approval ratings are over 70% and there is an exciting air of optimism. A key focus for my meetings with Ministers, universities, companies and civil society was climate change. As a vulnerable country, it makes a lot of sense for El Salvador to work with others in the region for a really ambitious agreement in Copenhagen in December. Helpfully, the ruling party’s manifesto is strongly committed to the protection of the Environment – not least because changes in the environment (desertification in some areas, floods and mudslides in others) often hit the poor most. But climate change is not yet widely spoken about in El Salvador. As one small step to tackle this, I did an interview with Prensa Grafica – a key paper that also has good reach via the internet. I tried to highlight the opportunities that there are for El Salvador to develop its clean energy sources as well as "green services" to help groups (like our Embassy) who want to become carbon-neutral. For anyone hoping to travel to El Salvador but wondering how we provide consular services when the embassy is in Guatemala, the answer is we have an excellent Honorary Consul. George is a fellow Brit but based for a long time in El Salvador. He and his assistant (Julissa) are first-rate. In addition, the embassy team visits regularly to maintain contacts at all levels. Spanish text El Salvador – Tiempos emocionantes Estuve la semana pasada en El Salvador. Es un país fascinante –pequeño con una población de alrededor de 5m (otros 2m viven fuera) y bello (a pesar que ha perdido el 85% de sus bosques desde 1960). Su gente tiene una reputación de ser muy trabajadora y emprendedora. Como en el Reino Unido, El Salvador se enfoca mucho en la industria de servicio y por ser el centro por ejemplo de comunicaciones y transporte. Tiene más de 150 millas de playas y unas de las mejores para surfear –aún los Australianos vienen acá a atrapar algunas olas! Y tiene un nuevo gobierno de sólo 100 días, después de un cambio pacífico de derecha a izquierda a través de las elecciones. El gobierno tiene retos por delante. La crisis financiera global ha impactado la economía de El Salvador (la cual es dolarizada y muy ligada a la de USA) duro. Las remesas de aquellos que viven fuera han bajado un 10% lo cual afecta a algunas de las familias más pobres. Las maras con fuertes, sumamente organizadas y contribuyen a una de las tazas más altas del mundo en muertes. La población de El Salvador está también algo dividida. Algunos quieren grandes cambios para combatir la pobreza. Otros se preocupan acerca del impacto que los grandes cambios puedan tener en la viabilidad para los negocios. El Presidente Funes ha mencionado al Presidente Lula de Brasil como un modelo a seguir. Mientras el jurado todavía está fuera en El Salvador, recientes encuestas dan un 70% de aprobación y hay un excitante aire de optimismo. Uno de los enfoques principales para mis reuniones con los Ministros, universidades, compañías y sociedad civil fue el cambió climático. Como un país vulnerable, tiene mucho sentido para El Salvador trabajar con otros de la región para un acuerdo lo más ambicioso posible en Copenhague en Diciembre. Lo bueno, es que el manifiesto del partido gobernante está fuertemente comprometido a la protección del medio ambiente – no de menos porque los cambios en el ambiente (desertificación en algunas áreas, inundaciones, deslaves en otras) regularmente golpean al más pobre. Pero el cambio climático no es ampliamente mencionado en El Salvador. Como un pequeño paso para combatir esto, me entrevisté con Prensa Gráfica – un periódico muy importante que también tiene buen alcance por el internet. He tratado de mencionar las oportunidades que tiene El Salvador de desarrollar sus recursos de energía limpia así como sus “servicios verdes” para ayudar a grupos (como nuestra Embajada) quienes quieren volverse carbono neutrales. Para cualquiera que desee viajar a El Salvador pero con la duda sobre cómo proveemos nuestros servicios consulares cuando nuestra Embajada está en Guatemala, la respuesta es que tenemos un excelente Cónsul Honorario. George es un ciudadano británico pero que ha estado viviendo en El Salvador por mucho tiempo. El y su asistente (Julissa) son de primera clase. Adicionalmente, el equipo de la Embajada visita regularmente para mantener contactos en todos los niveles.
With our high-flying ex-Chevening scholars from El Salvador (Natalia del Cid, who works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martha Jania Ibarra who works at the Wold Bank and Ben Jai Quan who is developing GPS for this region). At the British School in El Salvador with Headmaster George Hobson and Head Boy and Girl. Some of El Salvador's scenery. Note the slightly dicey cafe hanging out on the left! The picture of the volcano is taken from a now derelict hotel. This volcano used to spit lava every 15 minutes up until the 1950s. Story has it that the volcano stopped spitting the day the hotel was inaugurated. 
Posted at 12:39 02 September 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[4]
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