BLANTYRE--Michael Nevin, who worked as the British High Commission Second Press and Political Secretary and Public Affairs Officer between the year 2000 and 2003, has been named the new British High Commissioner to Malawi.
 
According to a statement from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Nevin takes up the appointment this September and the development comes in the wake of a thaw in relations between Lilongwe and London following the expulsion of top British envoy Fergus Cochraine-Dyet in April 2011 after a diplomatic cable to UK Foreign Secretary William Hague described the late President Bingu wa Mutharika as becoming "increasingly autocratic and intolerant of criticism".

Nevin joined the Foreign Service in 1993 and has to date served two postings in Africa, including one in Malawi earlier in his career. He will come to Malawi having served four years in Nairobi.
 
"My family and I are delighted to be coming back to the Warm Heart of Africa," he said. "It is an honour to be chosen to serve again in such a beautiful country with such wonderful people. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues as we help the Government and people of Malawi contend with the challenges of democratic and economic revitalisation."
 
Nevin said changes proposed by Pres Joyce Banda are important primarily for Malawians "but they can also serve to establish Malawi as a leading progressive force internationally. There is much to build on - a reputation for friendliness, wonderful tourism, music and cultural prospects and in the Flames and Queen's a growing sporting reputation. I pledge to do all I can to strengthen the relationship as we support Malawians in this new era."
 
Nevin is married to Sawako and has three children Marie, Caley and Mio.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.