COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR FUNK, CARTNER, AND NIXON

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 000240 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ABLD ASEC SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR FUNK, CARTNER, AND NIXON REF: STATE 013737 ¶1. Post grants countr clearance to the following NEC contractor personnel to travel to Port au Prince: MARK EDWARD FUNK - Fluor, Project Director arrive: 02/05/07, depart: 02/16/07 JAMES SMOOT CARTNER, JR. - Fluor, Sr. VP arrive: 02/05/07, depart: 02/09/07 EDDIE (NMN) NIXON - Fluor, Craft Specialist arrive: 02/05/07, depart: 12/31/07 Purpose of visit: Project Support. Embassy will not provide meet-and-assist. ¶2. Control officer for the visit will be Mr. JAMES ANDERSON, who can be reached, during working hours, at (509) 455-3055. ¶3. Travelers to Port-au-Prince may exchange U.S. currency or cash personal checks at the Embassy, most hotels also accept/exchange U.S. currency. Current rate is approximately 39.05 Gourdes to one U.S. dollar (rates may be slightly lower at hotels). ¶4. Travelers to Port-au-Prince should be aware that there is a departure tax of USD 25.00. Plans should be made to have this amount of U.S. dollars on hand when leaving. Receipts will be provided for this charge. The tax applies to all/all travelers, including holders of diplomatic passports, except those accredited as diplomats to the Republic of Haiti. On arrival there is a US$2.00 fee for baggage handling to be given to the expediter. Travelers wishing to make personal international phone calls from Haiti are encouraged to use AT&T, MCI, or other calling card service. Calls can be made from the Embassy. Access to calling card services is also available from some hotels. ¶5. The Embassy switchboard (or Marine security guard) may be reached at the following numbers: 223-0955 (emergencies and after hours); 222-0200; 222-0354; 222-0269; 222-0327. The country code is (509). ¶6. REFER TO STATE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST TRAVEL WARNING. The crime situation has reached critical levels in Port-au-Prince. Demonstrations occur at irregular intervals in the downtown area. At times, demonstrations have blocked roads leading to the Embassy with burning tires and garbage. Carjackings, kidnappings, and armed robberies occur within the Port-au-Prince area and can take place at any time of day or night. To avoid being a victim of crime, TDY personnel are strongly advised to observe the following common sense rules: Travel in groups using the buddy system and remain aware of your surroundings. Never walk alone at night, even for a short distance. In Port-au-Prince traffic is gridlocked and driving is dangerous. The Cite Soleil area of Port-au-Prince is off-limits to all personnel. Visitors are reminded to lock vehicle doors and keep their windows rolled up at all times. ¶7. Due to a recent outbreak of a severe form of malaria, the Post Medical Officer recommends starting a prophylaxis of Chloroquine before coming to post. SANDERSON