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