Welcome to the fourth edition of Chevening Connects - the regional newsletter that aims to bring together the Chevening alumni network across Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

This edition of Chevening Connects has a special announcement to make. We are now accepting applications for the 2009 British Chevening Scholarships programme. The deadline for applicants to get their papers to us in Mexico, is 30 September 2008. The deadline for applicants in Havana, Cuba, is 26 September 2008. If you know any bright and talented individuals that you think are Chevening material, please let them know about the Chevening programme. You all know first hand just how valuable an experience it can be. We are eager to continue helping the best minds across the region to become the leaders of the future. From this year the British Chevening Scholarships are now open to candidates of all ages. More information about the programme, including the application form is available on the following websites: http://ukinmexico.fco.gov.uk/es ; www.britishcouncil.org.mx

The British Chevening Scholarships are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and administered by the British Council.

But back to the newsletter. We have lots of interesting articles and events in this edition. Once again we would like to extend our thanks to all who have contributed. In particular, thanks to the Mexican Embassy in London for providing us with our now regular feature 'What's on in the UK'.

One event not to be missed is the annual Notting Hill Carnival which takes place every year over the August Bank Holiday, which this year is from 23 to 25 August. This carnival is the largest outside of Rio de Janeiro and is a fabulous blend of Caribbean music, food, parades, colourful floats, street parties and dancing, which usually last long into the night.

We hope you enjoy this edition. Please continue to support us by sending us articles and information that you think may be useful or interesting to other readers. As ever, our feedback questionnaire is attached to this newsletter, so please feel free to offer suggestions or comments.

A special thanks goes to all of you who took the time to answer the Chevening event survey. We value your feedback.

 

I am delighted to have been asked by the Chevening Connects team at the British Embassy in Mexico City to write the Foreword for the fourth edition of the regional newsletter for Chevening scholars and alumni in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Chevening is the FCO's biggest scholarship programme. It is a hugely important way of building links between young scholars and the UK – links which will, we hope, last a lifetime. We now have over 2000 Chevenings in the region, with each one of you having demonstrated the initiative, potential and leadership qualities needed for success in this modern and ever changing world. Many Chevening scholars and alumni are now in positions of considerable influence throughout society. I am very proud that we have been able to help you to make a difference today and in the future.

The Chevening Connects newsletter is an excellent way for us all to keep in touch, wherever we are in the world. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you the best of luck for the future and to wish our new scholars every success during their studies in the UK.

Peter Ricketts
Permanent Under-Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
 
 
  • Fernando H. Barrera Alonso, MSc in Project Planning and Management at the University of Bradford. He is working at the "Direcccion Corporativa de Ingenieria y Desarrollo de Proyectos" of Petroleos Mexicanos", where he has been undertaking activities related to procurement, costs and contracts administration of refineries, gas and petrochemical projects. He has been working there for the last four years. Read more
  • Francisco Flores Rosas, economist, has worked extensively in Mexico's public sector. He is currently a part-time lecturer in the Faculty of Economics and Business at the Universidad Anáhuac (México-Norte). Read more
  • Myriam Morales Calvo went from Panama to the UK to pursue her master's degree at the University of Leeds. Read more
  • Adrián Arias left Costa Rica to go to the UK and study for 3 months at the University of Wolverhampton, 2nd Part. Read more
 

As you all know, the Chevening network is an almost unrivalled network of talent, both throughout Mexico and across the World. The British Embassy would like to invite you to help us to expand and maintain this valuable network and source of professional development. Read more

  
 
 

As you all know, Chevening provides an excellent opportunity to help develop the talents of the brightest young Mexicans. You have all seen how the opportunity to study in the UK has the ability to broaden horizons, enhance academic records and boost the skill set of those who already excel. Read more

 
 
  • FCO Special Representative for Climate Change, John Ashton, visits Mexico. Read more
  • Digby Jones, Lord Jones of Birmingham and Minister of State for Trade and Investment of the UK, visited Mexico Read more

 
  • Change Unit Blog: Sarah Fleming trip to post in Caracas and Guatemala City.
    ________________ 19 - 25 April 2008