COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR EPA OFFICIAL ROGER

UNCLAS KINGSTON 001044

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR (BENT)

DEPT PLEASE PASS EPA/OIA (CHILL-MACON)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA SENV KSCA TPHY EPA JM
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR EPA OFFICIAL ROGER
GORKE

REF: STATE 74990


1. Embassy Kingston grants country clearance to EPA Office
of International Affairs official Roger Gorke to travel to
Kingston May 30 to June 2, 2006, to attend a water safety
plan exercise in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Embassy point of
contact is Economic Officer John Morgan who can be reached at
(w) 876-935-6028.


2. Embassy understands that no further assistance is
requested; however, post strongly recommends that Gorke
receive a threat-specific briefing on Spanish Town from the
Regional Security Office on arrival in Jamaica. Spanish Town
is plagued by drug and gang-related violence, which has been
on the increase in recent weeks.


3. Visitors traveling to Jamaica for periods less than two
weeks do not require a visa.


4. There has been no specific threat directed against
official American visitors or American tourists who visit
Jamaica. However, Jamaica has been designated a high threat
country because of street crime. It is recommended that
caution be exercised while traveling in Kingston. Walking
after dark is not advised. Care should be taken if driving
at night. Overall, the same level of awareness should be
exercised as in a similar sized city in the United States.


5. Travelers' checks can be exchanged for Jamaican dollars at
a local bank located near the Embassy. ATM machines are also
available.

VALDEZ