British journalist Lucinda is the Southern Cone correspondent for Reuters based in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Prior to joining Reuters from the Financial Times in 2023, she worked as a foreign correspondent across Latin America, playing a key part in international coverage of affairs in the wider region. She has reported from Argentina, Brazil and the frontline in Venezuela since 2016, with experience chasing down some of the continent’s more colorful political characters, securing interviews with numerous former and current presidents.
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Got a story tip? Reach out at lucinda.elliott@tr.com. Se habla español, fala português.
Here's a brief Q&A to learn more about Lucinda:
What do you never travel without?
A decent pen that feels heavy to hold. I once attempted to use a hotel biro freebie for three days of interviews. Never again. Multi-plug adapter is an obvious one but essential. Suncream, any brand will do.
What do you miss most from the UK & what luxuries do you smuggle back to Latin America?
Draft cider. Instant hot chocolate. M&S knickers. Squeeze from my younger sister.
Dulce de leche, or DDL as we call it in my family. Preferably from a Uruguayan supermarket – I was thrilled when I discovered they sold it in Venezuela. Banana passa (mini dried bananas from Brazil). Caldo de feijão (like a stock cube but for Brazilian bean stew but you can buy it in London now so…)
Your work as a foreign correspondent has taken you to some fairly adventurous destinations. Any hair-raising moments?
One hair-raiser had to be in French Guiana when I took part in their annual carnival masked ball. Women come dressed as the queen of carnival, the Touloulou, & are entirely covered from head to toe in colonial-style costumes so potential suitors don’t know who they are dancing with. I remember taking off my silk, arm-length gloves to send a text message (if you’ve ever attempted to do this with gloves, it’s impossible) & everyone immediately stared as if I’d caused huge offence. Luckily, a mask covered my face, so the subsequent day when I had to conduct interviews they didn’t know it was me who’d insulted the crowd.
Full interview via: https://www.plansouthamerica.com/lucinda-elliott-latin-america-correspondent/