UK in Guatemala

Many people in Guatemala have been reflecting on the value of life this week, following the incident on 4 October in Totonicapán (western Guatemala) when eight protestors were killed following clashes with security forces. It’s a theme that also resonated on 10 October, World Day against the Death Penalty. The death penalty is an emotive […]

I spent last week in Honduras mostly talking with companies, industry organisations, international financial institutions and government officials about the UK’s economic and commercial relationship. San Pedro Sula in particular is a real hub for employment and wealth generation in the country contributing to over 60% of GDP. There and in Tegucigalpa British companies and […]

I was told last week that Guatemalans don’t like British food. Apparently they are not used to the taste. I can’t believe it. Who could possibly not love a fabulous roast beef dinner, with a Yorkshire pudding (if properly done). And I have never met anyone who doesn’t like fish and chips. All of us […]

This week on 15 September all of the countries of Central America celebrate independence day. There are flags everywhere and it seems to me to be a moment when people express national pride, celebrate success and remember how important it is to be able to control your own destiny as a nation. This week will […]

Welcome to our blog. It is an honour for me to be Ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras, two vibrant, dynamic and interesting countries. And I’m very pleased that you have come to find out more about what the UK does here. You also can keep up to date with what we are doing and the […]

Every parent knows how important education is to the future of their children. The same goes the world over. So I have been struck, in the short time I have been in Guatemala and Honduras, by the level of interest in UK educational institutions and our teaching methods. Perhaps this isn’t so surprising given that, […]

If you’re in Guatemala City, or nearby, and not completely wrapped-up in the London Olympics (if not, why not?!) then consider popping into the Guatemalan International Book Fair (FILGUA). It’s on until July 29th. We’ve been supporting it, and earlier this week a Brit living here, and linguist, Dr Neville Stiles MBA PhD BA, gave […]

Security and justice have been prominent themes this week in Guatemala. On 9 July the International Commission Against Impunity (CICIG) launched their new work-plan for 2012/13, its Head, Francisco Dall’Anese, flanked by Guatemala’s heads of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial powers, as he described how CICIG intends to continue tackling impunity. Then a day later, […]

“Going for Gold”, by Shed Seven if you remember them? A British indie band that was part of the Britpop scene back in the 90s. They’re still going strong, but “Going for Gold” was arguably their most successful song. It’s relevant this week because we’re gearing up to send off Guatemala’s Olympic athletes with a […]