Country Clearance Granted for Harry Ponting and

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 001182

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA AINF PGOV PINR GY
SUBJECT: Country Clearance Granted for Harry Ponting and
Robert Sutter

REF: STATE 201628


1. Post welcomes Harry Ponting and Robert Sutter to Guyana
from November 16-20 to assist in implementing the classified
web publishing initiative Net-Centric Diplomacy.


2. Control Officer is Timothy Birner, telephone 592-225-4900
ext. 220, IVG 747-0220, fax 592-227-0240. Control officer's
email address is BirnerTD@state.gov. The Embassy's business
hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:00pm. The Embassy is
closed on local and American holidays. Post will meet and
assist at the airport.


3. Reservations are confirmed for Mr. Ponting and Mr.
Sutter at Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara at the rate
of US$75 + 10% tax. The confirmation number is 3718. The
point of contact at the hotel is Sarwan. The hotel's phone
number is (592) 220-1091.


4. U.S. passport holders (including diplomatic, official,
and service passports) do not require a visa to visit
Guyana.


5. Threat assessment: Visitors are reminded that crime is
a problem in Georgetown, especially after dark, in major
business and shopping districts. Pick pocketing and robbery
are common in Georgetown. Foreigners may be perceived as
wealthy individuals, which may make them targets for
robbery, theft, and kidnapping for ransom. In addition,
Guyana has suffered from occasional political and labor
unrest. Although such demonstrations are not directed at
U.S. citizens, we advise visitors to be vigilant to changes
in the security situation, maintain a low profile, and be
prepared for the unexpected. The Consular information sheet
for Guyana can be accessed at www.state.gov or
http://georgetown.usembassy.gov.


6. If you are planning on bringing a personal computer to
post the following is taken from STATE 286036:

a. Official travelers on temporary duty, including non-
state personnel, must coordinate the transport of official
unclassified portable computers that will be used within USG

SIPDIS
controlled access facilities with the RSO and ISSO.

b. Unclassified portable computer intended for use within
the CAA on a long-term basis (over 30 days),must be shipped
via professional or non-pro Diplomatic courier (classified
pouch).

c. An official traveler can personally transport a USG
portable computer to post only under the following
conditions:

The official traveler must have at least a secret level
security clearance;
- The official traveler will be on temporary duty at the
Embassy or Consulate for a period not to exceed 30 days;
- The portable computer must have been transported under
the continuous personal control of the official traveler;
- Under no circumstances may the computer have been left
unattended outside of the CAA or in a public area, nor
should it be checked in as luggage on public transport; and
- All "wireless" and audio features on the portable
computer must be disabled or de-installed, to include
infrared ports and sound card, before entering the CAA,
regardless of mode of transport.


7. Official visitors are required to receive a security
briefing from the RSO shortly after arrival at post.

BULLEN