Global conversations
Last week I went to Columbus to talk to representatives of the 50,000 or so Somali diaspora community living in Ohio. It was hosted at a community learning centre set up to help Somali youths succeed in school. It seems to be working as I was told growing numbers are going to university. I set out our priorities for the Somalia Conference on 7 May in London in similar terms … Read more »Talking Somalia in Mogadishu, London and… Columbus, Ohio
I accompanied the Right Honourable Mark Francois, Minister of Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans (Min DPWV) for four days in Washington last week during his visit to discuss all aspects of the Service Personnel, Veterans and Families Taskforce (SPV+F). We were looked after tremendously by our American counterparts, with the highest levels of access in the Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA) and even the White House. We were … Read more »Co-ordinating care for wounded vets
It is a warm morning, and I’m standing in a crowd of Africans. Many of the women are in brightly coloured dresses; the men sport a variety of styles of headdress. A minibus pulls up and we squeeze more of us on-board than I thought possible. As we’re about to shut the door someone leans in and asks, “Is there room for me?” We all breathe in and budge up. … Read more »Africa, Texas
I don’t give as much money to good causes as I should. For someone who works in international development and who feels strongly that we need a joint, all-out effort to end poverty, that’s a pretty stark admission. Given my own failings, I can only say hats off to the UK Government for maintaining its commitment to increase funding for international development in such difficult times. Hidden away in last … Read more »Learning from the UK: A confession from a development professional
A British soldier who died in southern Afghanistan last year as he protected his platoon from a grenade blast is to be awarded the Victoria Cross. The UK’s top gallantry medal will go to Lance Corporal James Ashworth, 23, of Corby, Northamptonshire, who was serving with 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. The Victoria Cross is the most prestigious of all military decorations and only awarded in exceptional circumstances for bravery carried … Read more »Victoria Cross awarded to a courageous hero
The following is a guest blog by musician Paul Williams who plays cornet in the Band of the Scots Guards. Paul is currently taking part in the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch and the Military Band of the Scots Guards 2013 US tour. The Band of the Scots Guards and the Pipes, Drums and Dancers of 3 Scots (The Black Watch) has now been touring the United States … Read more »Over 33 shows, 32 venues and 10,000 miles
The following is a guest blog by Col Fred Hargreaves from the British Embassy. Col Hargreaves, in his first blog, talks about the UK/US Service Personnel, Veterans and Families Taskforce and the latest venture organised by the Embassy of sending a joint UK/US team to cycle from Paris to London in the late Spring. When President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron announced the launch of a UK/US Service Personnel, Veterans … Read more »Big Battlefield Bike Ride 2013: Training Commences
The following is a guest blog by Major Andrew Halliday from the Black Watch. Major Halliday is currently taking part in the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch and the Military Band of the Scots Guards 2013 US tour. This is his second post as they head towards the Carolinas and Texas. The Black Watch Pipes and Drums and Band of the Scots Guards USA Tour 2013 has continued … Read more »And the Band Plays on… Tour to the South
The following is a guest blog by Lance Corporal Rob Howe from the Band of the Scots Guard. Lance Corporal Howe is currently taking part in the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch and the Military Band of the Scots Guards 2013 US tour. One of the many wonderful aspects of life in The Scots Guards Band is the opportunity to travel and I had always hoped to have … Read more »Marching on Across America
The following is a guest blog by Major Andrew Halliday from the Black Watch. Major Halliday is currently taking part in the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch and the Military Band of the Scots Guards 2013 US tour. This is his first post as they roll into Philadelphia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. A few weeks into the tour and we have all already experienced a tremendous amount. … Read more »Pipes and Drums roll into US for the start of 2013 Tour