Message from Her Majesty´s Ambassador to Costa Rica and Nicaragua

It is a fantastic experience for me both professionally and personally to represent Britain in these two wonderful countries of Costa Rica and Nicaragua.  Initially it was a really steep learning curve.  Like many people in Britain I had little idea of the differences between the numerous small countries that make up Central America, including the two where I now work.  How many people in Britain for example know that Costa Rica abolished its armed forces in 1948 and since then has spent its money on education, health and social programs and is today at the top end of all of these indices when you look at Latin American countries?  How many people in Britain know that in the 18th and 19th centuries the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua was a British Protectorate, and that if you go there today you'll still find many, many English surnames among the population and widespread use of the English language?

Our relations with both countries are very good.  We work particularly closely with Costa Rica on issues like the UN Security Council where both countries currently have a seat, and on climate change where two very different countries share the same mutual desire to achieve a substantial and lasting global deal at Copenhagen towards the end of 2009 that will allow mankind to stabilise the planet's climate for future generations.  With Nicaragua we have had good parliamentary exchanges over recent years including the current one.  We also work hard to help Nicaragua with its economic difficulties as the poorest country in Latin America.  Through our Department for International Development, Britain contributes £4 million sterling each year to important projects throughout the country.  We also make a significant contribution to European Union programmes in Nicaragua which contribute major infrastructure projects like roadbuilding and construction.

We are currently playing an important role with our European partners in negotiations between the European Union and Central America towards an Association Agreement between both regions, with important content in the areas of political, commercial and co-operation affairs.

But it's not all about politics.  Lots of tourists are coming from Britain to Central America, mainly attracted by this region’s amazing scenery and biodiversity.  The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica has been described by National Geographic magazine as “the most biologically intense place on earth”.  And if you've never heard of the Isla de Ometepe in Nicaragua I'd suggest you Google on it and look for a photograph-one of the most amazing things you'll ever see!  I'd certainly urge anyone looking for something a bit different to give the Central American countries a try.  The people here are some of the most wonderfully warm and hospitable people you could meet anywhere.  And Central America isn't as far off the beaten track as you may think: Duran Duran, Iron Maiden and (soon) Depeche Mode have all made it here recently.  Why not you?

Sincerely,

TOM KENNEDY
HM Ambassador
to Costa Rica and Nicaragua