JAMAICA / HAITI: REQUEST FOR C-130 AIRCRAFT TO TRANSPORT

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000062 SIPDIS DEPT FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE TASK FORCE USAID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA WHA/CAR SAN JOSE FOR OFDA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC MARR ECPS MOPS PREL PINR AMGT SOCI EAID, SMIG, KFLO, HA, JM, CA, XL SUBJECT: JAMAICA / HAITI: REQUEST FOR C-130 AIRCRAFT TO TRANSPORT TELECOMS EQUIPMENT REF: KINGSTON 46 (132049Z JAN 10)(NOTAL) KINGSTON 60 (151655Z JAN 10) ¶1. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) requests a U.S. C-130 aircraft to fly telecommunications hardware and personnel to Haiti in order to restore Digicel cell phone connectivity in Haiti. Embassy understands that a similar request has been made to the Canadian High Commission. According to the Canadian High Commissioner, PM Golding has asked that Canada use Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) as its base of operations for support flights into Haiti. Canada is reviewing that request and will make a decision later today. If Canada concurs, its assets could begin use of airport as early as Saturday, 16 Jan. Background: Per reftel (B),Jamaican Prime Minister Golding met with Prime Minister Preval on January 14. PM Preval reportedly listed the restoration of communications as a top priority. There are two cell phone providers in Haiti (Jamaica owned Digicel, and Voila). The requested flight would carry hardware to restore Digicel service in the vicinity of Port-au-Prince. USMLO Kinston has requested size/weight data for equipment and will forward to USSOUTHCOM shortly; point-of-contact is LTC Robert Wagner, 876-702-6073 (IVG 929-6073),e-mails Robert.Wagner@tcsc.southcom.mil or wagnerra@state.gov . Parnell