Julie Chappell

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]

Mark my words

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]

Radio diplomacy

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

Posted at 15:19 23 October 2009 by Julie Chappell  |  Comments[0]

BECKHAM v PAVÓN?

Posted at 14:54 15 October 2009 by Julie Chappell  |  Comments[3]

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]

The power of young people

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]

Time flies in Central America

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:

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]

Honduras: situation fragile

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.

Posted at 19:14 22 September 2009 by Julie Chappell  |  Comments[0]

Football for Peace

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]

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]