COUNTRY CLEARANCE APPROVAL - GEORGETOWN-

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000141

SIPDIS

AIDAC

AID FOR LAC/CAR - BETH CYSPER/ROBERT BONCY
AID FOR S/GAC - SHARON PULLINS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID OVIP SOCI AMGT ASEC KHIV
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE APPROVAL - GEORGETOWN-
VIRGINIA GIDI

REF: SECSTATE 00018825


1. Post welcomes from USAID/Washington Virginia Gidi "Secret
Security Clearance" o/a 2/15 -22/2006, to meet with Guyana Core
Team Members and Key Partners and conducting site visits; and
grants country clearance.


2. Hotel reservation is confirmed at the Le Meridien Pegasus
Hotel, Seawall Road, Georgetown, telephone number 592-225-2856-8.
Visitor will be met at the airport on arrival and transported to
the hotel by USAID Driver.


3. Control officer is Ms. Julia Rehwinkel, Population, Health and
Nutrition Officer, telephone 592-225-7315 ext. 241, fax 592-225-

7316. Control officer's home number is 592- 233-5749, cell 592-
623-1402, email address is jrehwinkel@usaid.gov. The Embassy's
business hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm. The
Embassy is closed on local and American holidays.


4. Travelers are advised to bring a sufficient amount of cash or
travelers checks to cover expenses while here. The Embassy will
cash personal checks only for a limited amount. The Hotel
will accept Visa, Master Card, and American Express credit cards.
Some restaurants will also accept credit cards, although most
businesses do not.

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


6. 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.


7. 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 controlled access
facilities with the RSO and ISSO.

b. Unclassified portable computers 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.


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