(Guest blog by David McNaught, Charge d’Affaires)
Fingers crossed that the doomsday predictions are wrong about the end of the 13th Maya Baktun! We’re banking on it marking the start of a new era because we’ve got a lot planned for 2013. First though, let’s reminisce about a GREAT 2012!
There were many highlights. The London Olympics and Paralympics were spectacular, from the jaw dropping Opening Ceremony to the mountain of Team GB gold, and the icing on the cake, Guatemala’s first ever Olympic medal. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was another reason to be proud. Then here there was the memorable human chain up a volcano, congratulating Guatemala’s new President, hosting British Week, and welcoming our new Ambassador.
While these were all big ticket, we’ve also been busy at the coal face here and in Honduras.
We worked with Guatemala on the UN Security Council on key foreign policy issues. We’ve supported efforts to improve security, hosting a UK security mission, and providing Guatemala and Honduras with UK police training. Guatemala also reported good news, a drop in impunity cases during 2012 from 97% to 72%. We welcomed Guatemala and Belize agreeing a date to hold simultaneous referendum on the referral of their territorial dispute to the ICJ, with more UK funds to support them.
The UK and Guatemala had their human rights records Peer Reviewed in the UN Human Rights Council. We welcomed Guatemala’s commitment to uphold human rights, but recognised remaining challenges, working with EU colleagues on the progress of genocide cases, and attacks on HRDs and union workers. We also raised concerns in Honduras. We supported the Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination, hosting members of their Legislative Assembly, and taking Central American Journalists to the Falklands.
We celebrated more UK commercial success. A Caribbean Council report promoted the real opportunities for UK business here. Our trade event in Honduras promoted the benefits of the EU-Central America Association Agreement. We also focussed on the challenges around social conflict, transparency, and contraband.
November’s terrible earthquake was a stark reminder of the dangers here. We continued developing our crisis plans, working with our Honorary Consuls. We introduced changes to our consular services, assisted 94 British Nationals, issued 26 emergency travel documents, and updated our Guatemala Travel Advice 21 times.
All of this was underpinned by pro-active digital diplomacy, the GREAT campaign, and targeted use of UK funds. We snapped away, issued 30 press releases, wrote about 40 blogs, and reached over 3,700 Facebook followers. Significant UK money has supported projects from conserving biodiversity in Guatemala, to a Human Rights attachment to the EU in Honduras.
Much to build on then in 2013! We’ll be hosting another British Week (24 Feb-2 March), including a UK trade mission, a mini-film festival to promote the UK’s creative industries, and the British Ball. We’ve expanded our political team to focus more on Honduras, so watch this space; plus there’re Presidential elections in November. And much, much, more…
We are extremely grateful for your support. Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year!
