COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR ICE OFFICERS TO ESCORT

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000088

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/CR/CIL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC OTRA BB
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR ICE OFFICERS TO ESCORT
DEPORTEE RAMNAUTH THROUGH BARBADOS TO GUYANA

REF: JAGESHWAR RAMNAUTH (A# 047709660),ICE cable
301545Z DEC 05


1. Embassy Bridgetown grants country clearance for
ICE officers Joseph Cicatello and Scott Wolfe to escort
Jageshwar Ramnauth through Barbados to Guyana on
January 16, 2005. RSO understands that the escorts will
stay at Le Meridein Hotel located in Georgetown,
Guyana.


2. Embassy RSO has notified Barbados authorities of
the details of the visit. Understand that further
Embassy assistance is not required. If you have any
questions, please contact Sean A Nedd at Embassy
Bridgetown Tel:(246) 436-4950, x2430 or Fax: 1 246/430-
3747, E-mail: Neddsa@state.gov. For 24-hour contact
please access the embassy number and extension 2210.


3. Unfortunately, post's resources do not allow us the
flexibility to meet and assist visitors at the airport.
However, Customs and Immigration are visitor-friendly.
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 for entry to 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. Persons traveling on Diplomatic Passports are
exempt from this departure tax.


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. Sunscreen or sunblock 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.

GILROY