GOG REQUESTS FOLLOW-UP MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000518 SIPDIS SIPDIS WHA/CAR - LLUFTIG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PREL GY SUBJECT: GOG REQUESTS FOLLOW-UP MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SOLDIER ¶1. The GOG has requested that the USG provide follow-up medical attention for Guyana Defense Force (GDF) soldier Calvin Lewis, who suffers from severe venous stasis disease. ¶2. Private Lewis was originally injured in an ammunition storage point explosion in December 2000. He was evacuated to Texas and treated at the U.S. Army Hospital, Brooks Army Medical Center, in San Antonio. After several months of treatment he returned to the GDF. Since returning to Guyana, Lewis' current problem - severe venous stasis disease - developed and has continued to worsen. ¶3. The GOG officially requested USG assistance via diplomatic note 319/06 for Lewis' treatment and transportation to the U.S. ¶4. Post supports this request to provide medical attention for Lewis. However, Post recommends that the GOG should fund his transportation to the U.S. From experience, Post believes that having the GOG make some financial contribution when it requests assistance leads to a more constructive engagement between the GOG and USG. ¶5. The Department of Defense Point of Contact is LTC Kormos: (703) 614-4157. ¶6. Text of diplomatic note: PRO NOTE NO: 316/06 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to request on behalf of the Guyana Defence Force the Embassy's assistance in the provision of follow up treatment for Private Calvin Lewis. Private Lewis sustained severe burns during an explosion at Camp Groomes in December 2000 and with the assistance of the United States, obtained treatment at the United States Burns Center in San Antonio, Texas. He was able to return to work having recuperated significantly. Due to the problems he is now experiencing, the Guyana Defence Force is seeking the kind assistance of the Embassy in securing urgent follow up medical attention for Private Lewis and transportation for his evacuation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. Georgetown, Guyana March 23, 2006 END TEXT BULLEN