COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR ICE ATTACHE

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000121

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC OTRA BB
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR ICE ATTACHE
LOONEY TO TRAVEL TO BARBADOS

REF: 181802Z JAN 06


1. Embassy Bridgetown grants country clearance for ICE
Attach Michael P. Looney to travel to Bridgetown on
January 19-21, 2006. The purpose of his visit is to
meet with the Ambassador to discuss budget and MPP
projections.


2. Post notes that ICE Attach Looney requires no
further assistance by the Embassy. If you have any
questions, please contact Nancy Nelson at Embassy
Bridgetown Tel:(246) 436-4950, x2430 or Fax: 1 246/430-
3747, E-mail: NelsonNE@state.gov. For 24-hour contact
please access the embassy number and extension 2210.


3. The exchange rate is approximately 2.00 BD$ for 1
U.S. Dollar. U.S. currency, traveler's checks, and
credit cards are routinely and widely accepted here.


4. Entry requirements: A valid U.S. passport is
required to enter Barbados. No visa is required if your
stay is under six months, including those travelers
arriving with diplomatic or official passports. For
further information, travelers may contact the Embassy
Bridgetown, telephone 436-4950.


5. Departure tax for Barbados is $25.00 BD or $13.00
USD.


6. 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 facilities 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.

HEALTH INFORMATION
--------------
In Barbados, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent, the major
health threat is dengue fever, transmitted by the Aedes
Aegypti mosquito. Persons should therefore protect
themselves with insect repellent. There is also a
growing incidence of HIV/AIDS. The Eastern Caribbean
enjoys clean and safe drinking water. Only routine
boosters for immunizations, i.e., Tetanus, Diphtheria,
Pertussis and oral polio vaccine are required when
traveling to this region. 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 or sunblocks should be
used for protection. Barbados has the best medical
facilities of all the islands of the Eastern Caribbean,
and most of the medical specialties have practitioners
here.

KRAMER