COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED: CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

UNCLAS KINGSTON 001666 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR (BUDDEN) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA EFIN AMGT JM SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED: CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION REPRESENTATIVES MODESTO AND JOHNSON REF: ¶1. Post grants country clearance to US Customs and Border Protection representative Alyce Modesto to travel to Jamaica August 24, 2006 through October 1, 2006 and Winston Johnson to travel to Jamaica August 24, 2006 through August 28, 2006. Post understands the travelers are to coordinate efforts related to implementing the Container Security Initiative (CSI) at the Port of Kingston. ¶2. The Control Officer for this visit will be Political Officer Kara French, telephone number (876) 935-6079; Fax no. (876) 935-6029. ¶3. Post confirms that no additional assistance is required. ¶4. Visitors traveling to Jamaica for periods of 14 or fewer days do not require a visa. Post understands Alyce Modesto has been granted a Jamaican visa to remain in Jamaica for a period of over 14 days. ¶5. 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. ¶6. Travelers' checks can be exchanged for Jamaican dollars at a local bank located near the Embassy. ATM machines are also available. JOHNSON