COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO LINDA BROWN FOR

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000118 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR G/TIP FOR LINDA BROWN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA PHUM SMIG KCRM KWMN BB XL SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO LINDA BROWN FOR TRAVEL TO BARBADOS REF: STATE 3392 ¶1. Embassy Bridgetown welcomes and grants clearance to Linda Brown, Reports Officer for South America and Central America and the smaller Caribbean island states, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP),to Barbados February 10 - 15, 2006. Ms. Brown will be assessing recent government efforts to address trafficking in persons in meetings with appropriate Mission Officers, host government officials, local NGOs, and international organization representatives engaged in activities to combat human trafficking. ¶2. Per reftel, the Embassy has made reservations for Ms. Brown at the Coral Sands Beach Resort, 246-435-6617, February 10 - 15, 2006. The cost is U.S. $235.13 per night inclusive of all taxes. The confirmation number is 10294. ¶3. The Embassy is unable to provide meet and assist at the airport. However, taxis are safe, reliable, and readily available at the airport. Estimated cost from the airport to Coral Sands Beach Resort is 15 to 20 U.S. dollars. ¶4. Post acknowledges the information provided regarding Ms. Brown's passport number and security clearance. ¶5. The control officer for Ms. Brown is Shannon E. Runyon. She may be reached by email at runyonse@state.gov, work phone: 246-436-4950 ext. 2229, home phone: 246-427-1453, and cell phone: 246-823-1938. ¶6. Entry/departure requirements: Mission policy is that all USG travelers to the region be in possession of a valid passport. Visas are not required. Visitors are granted up to 28 days upon entry, which can be extended through the Barbados Immigration Department for up to six months. Barbados has a departure tax of 25 Barbados dollars or 12.50 U.S. dollars. Visitors traveling on a diplomatic passport do not have to pay the departure tax. ¶7. The exchange rate in Barbados is two Barbados dollars for one U.S. dollar. U.S. currency, travelers' checks, and credit cards are routinely and widely accepted. ¶8. The following is general information pertaining to security and health considerations throughout the Eastern Caribbean: Security -------------- In the Eastern Caribbean, foot travel outside of well-established tourist areas is not generally recommended, especially at night. Be vigilant when using public telephones or ATM machines near roadsides or quiet areas. As in many U.S. metropolitan areas, wearing expensive jewelry, carrying expensive objects, or carrying large amounts of cash should be avoided. Visitors should also safeguard valuables while at the beach. While hotels are generally safe, many visitors have experienced loss of unattended items. Hotel burglaries are not uncommon and all valuables should be locked in room safes if possible. Health -------------- Throughout the Eastern Caribbean, the most likely threat to a visitor's health is sunburn. It takes several weeks to become accustomed to the heat and humidity. Prolonged exposure to the sun, without protection, causes sunburn and may ultimately result in sun-damaged skin or even skin cancer. Sunscreens should be used for protection. In Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines the major health threat is dengue fever, transmitted by mosquito. Dengue cases are most often seen in the summer months. Persons should therefore protect themselves with insect repellent. There is a growing number of HIV/AIDS cases reported. The Eastern Caribbean enjoys clean and safe drinking water. Only routine boosters for immunizations (i.e., tetanus, diphtheria, and oral polio vaccine) are required when traveling to this region. Barbados has the best medical facilities of all the islands in the region and most of the medical specialties have practitioners here. GILROY