Rajani Alexander, Ambassador of Canada to Guatemala and High Commissioner of Canada to Belize

Message

Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Canada to Guatemala and High Commission to Belize. It is an honour and a pleasure to serve as Canada's Ambassador to Guatemala and High Commissioner to Belize. These beautiful countries are important bilateral, regional and multilateral partners for Canada.

I would like to tell you a bit about myself. I am an immigrant to Canada, who arrived from India to Victoria (British Columbia) in the 1980s. And, on their paternal side, my two daughters are sixth generation Canadians! I completed my studies in India and the USA and have worked full time for the Government of Canada, in our foreign ministry, since 1994.  I have taught Gender Studies, History and Political Science at the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser and Carleton Universities. I have managed cooperative education programs and was a consultant and researcher prior to joining the federal civil service. This is my seventh assignment abroad and my second as Head of Mission. I have visited nearly 70 countries and my prior diplomatic service was in South and Central America, Asia and Africa.

Central America is quite familiar as I have lived, worked in and traveled through it. I am fascinated by the rich cultures and history of Guatemala and Belize. I look forward to learning more about these, and exploring the natural beauty and landscapes of the two countries.

Canada and Guatemala have a bilateral relationship of over 60 years, partnering on common priorities in a wide range of areas. These include development cooperation, commerce and ongoing dialogues on governance and multilateral affairs. There are also thousands of Guatemalan temporary foreign workers that travel to Canada every year and contribute to the economies of both countries.

Canada and Belize share historical traditions and systems of government and we collaborate on development, trade, security and environmental issues. Canada has been a partner to Belize since its independence over 40 years ago.

In both countries Canada is committed to empowering women and girls, as a Canadian foreign policy priority. We also aim to further our engagement, including on advancing human rights and addressing global challenges such as climate change, security and of course, the COVID pandemic.

Please explore this website and contact any of our programs if you need more information. Our International Business program covers education opportunities in Canada, and helps to do business with our historically trading nation with the highest standards for environmental, social and responsible business conduct.

Our team has solid experience in delivering services, as many local staff have worked for over 20 years at the mission. I am privileged to lead such a dedicated and professional group. We are all enthusiastic about the opportunities that exist to further Canada's bilateral and regional ties with Guatemala and Belize.

Biography

Rajani Alexander (BA Hons [History], University of Delhi; MA [History], University of Notre Dame; PhD [History and Government], University of Notre Dame), was a researcher, a university instructor in Pacific, Asian and Gender Studies, an independent consultant and a manager of cooperative education programs before joining the public service of Canada in 1994. At the Canadian International Development Agency, Ms. Alexander was a senior adviser in the Gender Equality Division, a senior analyst in the Caribbean Program, and the director of results and accountability in the Geographic Programs Branch. At Global Affairs Canada’s Headquarters, she was senior director for the Pan-Africa Regional program. Abroad, Ms. Alexander served in Santiago, Dhaka, Tegucigalpa, and Chandigarh, India. Most recently, she was senior director and minister-counsellor (development) in Addis Ababa.