This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000092 
 
SIPDIS 
 
AIDAC 
 
AID FOR LAC/CAR - BETH CYSPER/ROBERT BONCY 
AID FOR GH/OHA/SCMS- MICHAEL HOPE/HEIDI MIHM 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAID OVIP AMGT ASEC
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE APPROVAL - GEORGETOWN- 
(1) MICHAEL HOPE AND (2) HEIDI MIHM 
 
REF: SECSTATE 00010390 
 
¶1.   Post welcomes from USAID/Washington 1) Michael Hope, SCMS 
Pharmaceutical Advisor, "Secret Security Clearance" o/a 2/11 - 
28/2006 and 2) Heidi Mihm, SCMS Advisor, "Top Secret Clearance" 
o/a 1/12 - 18, 2006, and grants country clearance. 
 
¶2.  Hotel reservations are confirmed at the Le Meridien Pegasus 
Hotel, Seawall Road, Georgetown, telephone number 592-225-2856-8. 
Visitors will be met at the airport on arrival and transported to 
the hotel by USAID Driver. 
 
¶3.  Control officer is Ms. Julia Rehwinkel, Population, Health and 
Nutrition Officer, telephone 592-225-7315 ext. 241, fax 592-225- 
¶7316.  Control officer's home number is 592- 233-5749, cell 592- 
623-1402, email address is jrehwinkel@usaid.gov. The Embassy's 
business hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm.  The 
Embassy is closed on local and American holidays. 
 
¶4.  Travelers are advised to bring a sufficient amount of cash or 
travelers checks to cover expenses while here.  The Embassy will 
cash personal checks only for a limited amount.  The Hotel 
will accept Visa, Master Card, and American Express credit cards. 
Some restaurants will also accept credit cards, although most 
businesses do not. 
¶5. U. S. passport holders (including diplomatic, official, and 
service passports) do not require a visa to visit Guyana. 
 
¶6. Threat assessment: Visitors are reminded that crime is 
a problem in Georgetown, especially after dark, in major business 
and shopping districts.  Pick pocketing and robbery are common in 
Georgetown.  Foreigners may be perceived as wealthy individuals, 
which may make them targets for robbery, theft, and kidnapping for 
ransom.  In addition, Guyana has suffered from occasional 
political and labor unrest.  Although such demonstrations are not 
directed at U.S. citizens, we advise visitors to be vigilant to 
changes in the security situation, maintain a low profile, and be 
prepared for the unexpected.  The Consular information sheet for 
Guyana can be accessed at www.state.gov or 
http://georgetown.usembassy.gov. 
 
¶7. If you are planning on bringing a personal computer to post the 
following is taken from STATE 286036: 
 
     a. Official travelers on temporary duty, including non-state 
personnel, must coordinate the transport of official unclassified 
portable computers that will be used within USG controlled access 
facilities with the RSO and ISSO. 
 
     b. Unclassified portable computers intended for use within 
the CAA on a long-term basis (over 30 days), must be shipped via 
professional or non-pro Diplomatic courier (classified pouch). 
 
     c. An official traveler can personally transport a USG 
portable computer to post only under the following conditions: 
 
     - The official traveler must have at least a secret level 
       security clearance; 
     - The official traveler will be on temporary duty at the 
       Embassy or Consulate for a period not to exceed 30 days; 
     - The portable computer must have been transported under 
       the continuous personal control of the official traveler; 
     - Under no circumstances may the computer have been left 
       unattended outside of the CAA or in a public area, nor 
       should it be checked in as luggage on public transport; and 
     - All "wireless" and audio features on the portable computer 
       must be disabled or de-installed, to include infrared ports 
       and sound card, before entering the CAA, regardless of mode 
       of transport. 
 
¶8. Official visitors are required to receive a security briefing 
from the RSO shortly after arrival at post.  BULLEN