GOG REQUESTS ASSISTANCE IN SEARCH FOR MISSING

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000644 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR PGOV GY SUBJECT: GOG REQUESTS ASSISTANCE IN SEARCH FOR MISSING U.S.-REGISTERED PLANE ¶1. (U) During a phone conversation with the Ambassador, Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo officially requested and welcomed Embassy assistance in the search for a U.S.-registered airplane missing since November 1. On-the-ground Post resources have already been employed and Post is in discussions with SOUTHCOM and NGA to determine what other assets might be available. ¶2. (U) The twin engine turboprop, piloted and co-piloted by AMCITS, was subcontracted on behalf of a Canadian mining company to conduct geo-physical surveys in western Guyana. Two British helicopters already on a training mission in Guyana, private U.S. and Guyanese aircraft and the Guyanese Defense Force have participated in the search, but the British assets must withdraw after today and the two air assets utilized by the GDF are grounded for mechanical reasons. Jones