British Ambassador to Guatemala Nick Whittingham concludes his diplomatic mission this month. He knows the country not only because he was here in the 1980s and 1990s, but also because he cooperated with three Guatemalan governments, including the current one.
In an interview with Free pressWhittingham explains why it is important to defend democracy.
How would you describe the relationship between the United Kingdom and Guatemala?
We have good bilateral relations. We are working together on issues such as biodiversity and climate change. We have started to work on new laws, for example, the water law, and we have projects on Human Rights. So, it is a very broad and important relationship, and we are looking for new areas to work with the government of Bernardo Arévalo.
We are also supporting in areas such as technical assistance with some ministers.
In what areas during your stay did the United Kingdom cooperate most with Guatemala?
If we talk about money, it is certainly in the area of biodiversity. We have a very large project of US$7 million, it is called the Biodiverse Landscape Fund. We have received support from the Government of Guatemala. We have not launched it publicly, but we hope that we can implement this quickly.
The project is going to be in the Mayan jungle and the Trifinio area, and there are three objectives with those projects. One is to help in the fight against climate change, the second is sustainable development for communities that are living in areas of poverty in Trifinio and the Mayan jungle, and of course it is biodiversity, how to protect the flora and fauna of Guatemala, a very diverse and important country in the world. I am proud that the United Kingdom is working on that issue.
We have projects in other schemes and in other departments as well to protect biodiversity.
How different do you see the country now that you are leaving compared to when you arrived?
It depends partly on what time period we are talking about, because the first time I came to Guatemala was in 1984 with a backpack and a lot more hair. I traveled for 10 days or so, a short trip, but it inspired my life because I came back in 1991 to study Spanish in Huehuetenango and Quetzaltenango, and that is why in my master’s degree I studied Guatemala and the politics of Latin America.
And of course I arrived again in 2019, so I have had three arrivals to Guatemala.
If we are talking about my first visits and now, of course, the change has been a lot of development in the cities, and less in the countryside, and you can see that. There is a lot more wealth in Guatemala, but there are also a lot of people without water and in poverty.
If we are talking about my arrival in 2019 until now, I have seen three governments, a bit of Jimmy Morales’, the entire one of President Alejandro Giammattei, and now nine months of President Bernardo Arévalo.
There were some challenges especially during the past year and with the government side we are working hand in hand, trying to provide prosperity for all. We are very interested in how this will help Guatemala not only improve its economy and macroeconomics, but also its social indicators.
We want more investment, more business in our countries. The rule of law and the fight against corruption are essential here. We are very impressed by the efforts of the new government to combat corruption, it is a very fundamental condition for some companies if they are going to invest, as is the rule of law in the context of the use of the judicial system as a weapon, sometimes against the government. That is very worrying.
We are following what is happening in Guatemala on that issue and with the next steps in the context of the renewal of the Supreme Court of Justice. I have seen quite a few differences. Of course I lived here during Covid and it was a very strange year, and it was joyful for me that after that time of difficulties for all people the country is open again, and there is traffic and people are living their lives normally.
What is your view on the role of the international community in maintaining democracy in Guatemala, during and after the 2023 elections?
I cannot speak for other embassies, I can speak for the British embassy, as a member of the G-13, and we are always supporting democracy.
Last year there were voices saying that the embassies were influencing and interfering in Guatemala, but I do not agree with that position. We were supporting the inauguration and the decision of the citizens of Guatemala with a very clear result.
My embassy and others worked with Guatemala to protect the election results, so that was very important.
This year we are continuing to work to support this process and there are challenges. I have already mentioned the use of the judicial system as a weapon, that is something bad for democracy, and we will follow what is happening. But we are also interested in supporting specific areas with projects, and part of my embassy is open to new aid to the Government and projects to support and protect democracy, improve Human Rights and fight corruption.
Still on the subject of democracy, although the United Kingdom has not imposed sanctions on actors it considers anti-democratic, could this be assessed?
Sanctions are a tool and we have this tool. We use it when we believe it can have a concrete impact on the situation. We are always monitoring the situation.
The UK is monitoring developments in Guatemala but we are not speculating on future designations as they may lessen their impact, but the UK is always keen to work with other countries such as the EU, US and others in the context of sanctions.
How do you evaluate the institutions of the justice system?
The use of the justice system as a weapon against democracy is worrying. I don’t need to say much more because the situation is very clear. I think the role of the OAS in the context of the Supreme Court is important and we will follow that as well and we want to support the government of President Arévalo in that context, because he does not have a majority in Congress.
He has a justice system that is trying to block his efforts, but his efforts are for the citizens of Guatemala. He has important policies for the future of the country and we hope that he can succeed in his program.
And how does Congress view this new legislature?
There is a budget increase, it is progress. Sometimes it is important to focus on the positive, and I hope that the president and his government can succeed in bringing more congressmen and people to succeed in creating policies and laws in line with the citizens who had voted.
The citizens have elected a government, that government is trying to do its job and it is important to me that everyone tries to support not only the success of the government, but also the success of the country.
From the UK’s perspective, where should the international community’s support for Guatemala go, in general?
For me, the rule of law and the fight against corruption are essential, because we want to spend money, but if there is a lot of corruption, the impact will be less, and that is the basis on which we want to work to improve the use of money that is entering the country for development, but also for investment.
We are spending money in the context of the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund and other funds. We also have Q1 million projects on Human Rights, including human trafficking and others, and I hope that with these efforts the international community, the government, civil society and the private sector together can make a difference.
What are the issues that you would recommend the next ambassador pay more attention to upon his arrival in Guatemala?
It is a bit dangerous to suggest anything to the next ambassador, but there is a good team that has a lot of knowledge of the country, since almost all of them are Guatemalan and I think that in reality there will not be great differences because we have objectives that are not those that an embassy decides when one arrives, it is more in line with the objectives and priorities of the country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in London.
For us as a ministry we are promoting peace, prosperity, the security of the British and more trade and investment between countries.
The United Kingdom is part of the G-13, is that mechanism still active and what has been discussed this year?
The G-13 is very active. The United States now has the Presidency, and every six months we change. The G-13 is a very interesting body because it is very dynamic, and can change its role depending on the context.
At this moment I think there is a lot of attention on how we as friends of Guatemala can help more to the government and the development of the country.
During the past month there have been discussions about projects and two months ago we also had a dialogue about infrastructure and energy, which are priorities and the group after my departure will probably continue and adapt its work depending on the context and needs of Guatemala.
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Guatemala Population
Table of Contents
Discovering Guatemala: A Country of Rich Diversity and Growth
Guatemala, a country located in Central America, is a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and economic growth. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and friendly people, Guatemala is an attractive destination for travelers and business partners alike. In an interview with Free Press, British Ambassador to Guatemala Nick Whittingham shares his insights on the country’s development, the importance of democracy, and the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Guatemala.
A Country of Contrasts
Guatemala has undergone significant changes since Ambassador Whittingham’s first visit in 1984. While the country has made progress in urban development, poverty and lack of access to basic services like water still plague the rural areas. The Ambassador notes that Guatemala has become wealthier, but the distribution of wealth remains a challenge. Despite these contrasts, Guatemala’s cultural attractions, such as the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal [[2]], and its natural beauty, including the active Pacaya Volcano [[2]], make it an exciting destination for tourists.
Bilateral Relations: A Partnership for Growth
The United Kingdom and Guatemala enjoy good bilateral relations, with cooperation on issues like biodiversity, climate change, and human rights. The UK has invested heavily in Guatemala, with projects like the Biodiverse Landscape Fund, a $7 million initiative aimed at protecting the country’s rich flora and fauna. The Ambassador highlights the importance of the rule of law and the fight against corruption in attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth.
Defending Democracy
Ambassador Whittingham emphasizes the importance of defending democracy, not only in Guatemala but globally. The UK, as a member of the G-13, has consistently supported democratic processes in Guatemala, including the 2023 elections. The Ambassador believes that the international community has a crucial role to play in maintaining democracy, and his embassy is committed to supporting projects that promote democracy, human rights, and the fight against corruption.
Visiting Guatemala: A Traveler’s Guide
For those planning to visit Guatemala, there’s good news: you can enter the country visa-free for up to 90 days [[3]]. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming people, Guatemala is an exciting destination for travelers. From exploring the historic city of Antigua to hiking up the Pacaya Volcano, there’s no shortage of adventure activities to enjoy. Additionally, the UK’s travel guides offer valuable insights and tips for travelers, making it easier to plan your trip [[1]].
Guatemala is a country that offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and economic growth opportunities. As Ambassador Whittingham concludes his diplomatic mission, his insights offer a valuable perspective on the country’s development and the importance of democracy. Whether you’re a traveler, business partner, or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating country, Guatemala has something to offer everyone.
British Ambassador to Guatemala Nick Whittingham Concludes His Diplomatic Mission
Nick Whittingham, the British Ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras, is set to conclude his diplomatic mission this month. With a deep understanding of the country, having visited Guatemala in the 1980s and 1990s, and cooperated with three Guatemalan governments, including the current one, Whittingham shares his insights on the relationship between the United Kingdom and Guatemala.
Strong Bilateral Relations
Whittingham describes the relationship between the UK and Guatemala as “good” and “broad.” The two countries have been working together on issues such as biodiversity and climate change, with the UK providing technical assistance to Guatemala. The UK has also launched projects aimed at protecting human rights and biodiversity in Guatemala.
Cooperation in Biodiversity
One of the areas where the UK has cooperation most with Guatemala is in biodiversity. The UK has invested $7 million in the Biodiverse Landscape Fund, a project aimed at protecting the Mayan jungle and the Trifinio area. The project seeks to combat climate change, promote sustainable development, and protect Guatemala’s rich flora and fauna.
Changes in Guatemala
Whittingham has witnessed significant
