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R 021551Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7127
INFO AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN 
AMEMBASSY PARAMARIBO 
AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000179 
 
 
DEPT FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/WHA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT APER ASEC
SUBJECT: 2009 OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT FOR GEORGETOWN 
 
REF: 132056 
 
¶1. This report provides a historical record of crime in 
Georgetown, Guyana and how it affects the American private 
sector community that resides in country. 
 
--------------------------- 
OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY 
--------------------------- 
 
¶I. Criminal activity in Georgetown continues to increase, 
particularly violent crimes against people and property. 
Foreigners in general are viewed as targets of opportunity. 
Serious crime, including murder and armed robbery, continues 
to be a major problem. 
 
In 2008, an attack in the Georgetown suburb of Lusignan and 
in the Essequibo River town of Bartica by heavily armed gangs 
resulted in the deaths of more than 20 persons, mostly 
innocent Guyanese civilians.  There were also several 
instances of random shootings at night at police headquarters 
or police stations in Georgetown.  Guyana Security forces 
shot and killed the leader of the gang thought to be 
responsible for these incidents; however, there is still 
concern that remnants of these criminal gangs and others 
exist and continue to operate. 
 
Armed robberies continue to occur intermittently, especially 
in major businesses and shopping districts.  Hotel room 
strong-arm break-ins also occur, so travelers should use 
caution when opening their hotel room doors and should 
safeguard valuables left in hotel rooms.  Criminals may act 
brazenly, and police officers themselves have been the 
victims of assaults and shootings.  Vehicle thefts are common 
anytime of the day or night.  Vehicle occupants should keep 
their doors locked never leaving items in plain sight, and be 
aware of their surroundings at all times.  Robbery and 
vehicle theft occur with some frequency in Georgetown and New 
Amsterdam. After dark, it is highly advisable not to walk or 
bike and only drive from venue to venue.  Residential 
burglaries are less common when homes have guards who pose a 
deterrent to would-be thieves. 
 
Traffic accidents are a major concern in Georgetown.  Road 
and driving conditions are poor.  Police only sporadically 
enforce local traffic laws and, as a result, local drivers 
drive recklessly.  Stop signs and traffic signals are often 
treated as suggestions only.  Be very cognizant of other 
cars, large commercial vehicles, mini-buses, horse drawn 
carts, bicycles, mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, stray dogs, 
sleeping animals and free range livestock, as they all share 
narrow, poorly maintained roads.  A combination of very 
aggressive, experienced drivers, along with inexperienced, 
timid drivers makes driving in Guyana especially dangerous. 
Driving at unsafe speeds, reckless driving, tailgating, quick 
stops without signaling, passing at intersections, and 
passing on crowded streets is common place.  Driving at night 
poses additional concerns as many roads are not lit, drivers 
do not lower high beam lights, livestock sleep on the road 
and many pedestrians congregate by the roadside.  If you are 
involved in an accident, you are expected to stay at the 
scene until the police arrive to take a report unless there 
is an imminent threat. 
 
-------------------------- 
POLITICAL VIOLENCE 
-------------------------- 
 
II. Although Guyana has ongoing border disputes with its 
neighbors, Venezuela and Suriname, Guyana is not currently 
engaged in any armed hostilities with any country.  Post does 
not anticipate violence resulting from existing territorial 
or political controversies in the near future. 
 
There have been no documented incidents of political violence 
during this reporting period. 
 
-------------------------- 
POST SPECIFIC CONCERNS 
-------------------------- 
 
III.  Arms trafficking is big business in Guyana, and it is 
very easy, and common for criminals to obtain weapons despite 
the arduous licensing requirements for the average person.  A 
handgun, knife and/or machete or "cutlass" are the weapons of 
choice.  This is also tied to the drug trafficking problem in 
Guyana.  Drug trafficking organizations are prevalent and 
pose the biggest challenge to local law enforcement in 
Georgetown. Airport security and customs officials are 
detaining and arresting individuals on a weekly basis who are 
trying to smuggle drugs out of Guyana into the United States. 
 
Drug "mules," often U.S. citizens perceived to be able to 
easily travel with their U.S. passport, have also increased 
this past year. 
 
Armed robbery of business/patron establishments are becoming 
increasingly common in Georgetown.  Criminals are usually 
organized, travel in groups of two or more and conduct 
surveillance on their victims.  The limited police presence 
in most areas is largely ineffective in preventing crime. 
Criminals will not hesitate to show a knife as an 
intimidation factor during a robbery.  According to 2008 
crime statistics, there were approximately 554 incidents 
reported to the RSO of which there were 122 murders, 95 
shooting incidents and 170 armed robberies.  Periodically, we 
do have robberies/attacks on American citizens and in areas 
where expats frequent. 
 
Corruption is widely perceived to be a common practice within 
the police department and overall government in Georgetown. 
Police are paid off, and are working with the criminals by 
either assisting or protecting them.  Judges are subject to 
threats and/or bribes and defendants involved in drug 
organizations can usually field better attorneys then the 
Government's prosecutors.  As a result, criminals go free on 
a regular basis.  It is common knowledge that some police 
are, or have been involved in criminal activity. 
 
There are two main rainy seasons in Guyana (December-January 
and May-July).  However, even at other times of the year, 
heavy rains are possible and flash flooding can occur.  The 
coastal plain floods occasionally and serious flooding 
occurred in Greater Georgetown and along the  East Coast in 
January, 2005 causing significant damage.  There was also 
isolated flooding on the East Coast in early 2009.  Incidence 
of water-borne diseases increases during periods of flooding. 
 Special precautions should be taken when eating fruits, 
vegetables and drinking potable/bottled water at all times, 
but especially during the rainy seasons. 
 
--------------------------- 
POLICE RESPONSE 
--------------------------- 
 
IV. Local police in Guyana have resource and manpower 
limitations that inhibit their ability to deter or respond to 
criminal activity.  Police patrols are rare or nonexistent. 
There is an emergency telephone number "911" for police, fire 
or rescue.  The fire department provides a timely response, 
while a police response, especially during the night, is a 
rarity for all but the most serious crimes.  The police 
response to emergency calls is often too slow (15 minutes or 
longer).  When the police do respond, they have a limited 
amount of authority to act on their part, and at times 
attempt to solicit bribes as officers are not compensated 
well. 
 
---------------------------- 
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 
---------------------------- 
 
¶V. Medical care in Guyana does not meet U.S. standards.  Care 
is available for minor medical conditions, although quality 
is very inconsistent.  Emergency care and hospitalization for 
major medical illnesses or surgery are very limited, due to 
the lack of appropriately trained specialists, below standard 
in-hospital care, and poor sanitation.  There are very few 
ambulances in Guyana.  Ambulance service is limited to 
transportation without any medical care and is frequently not 
available for emergencies.  Emergency medical services can be 
contacted by either "911" or "913" for an ambulance, but this 
number is not always operational and an ambulance may not be 
available. 
 
The Georgetown Public Hospital on Parade Street is the one 
commonly used for responding to medical emergencies and 
trauma such as traffic accidents.  The hospital is located 
approximately a quarter mile from the American Embassy and 
has adequately trained staff and equipment to stabilize those 
in need of attention, before medical evacuation to the United 
States can be arranged. 
 
Visitors are advised to bring prescription medicine 
sufficient for their length of stay and should be aware that 
Guyana's humid climate may affect some medicines.  Some 
prescription medicines (mainly generic) are available. 
 
Special attention should be paid to HIV/AIDS in Guyana.  In 
addition to elevated infection rates among high-risk 
populations such as commercial sex workers and mobile 
populations such as miners or loggers, data from the World 
Health Organization estimate that Guyana has among the 
highest prevalence rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. 
 
---------------------------- 
TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS 
---------------------------- 
 
VI. All Americans are reminded to be aware of their 
surroundings at all times.  Local and international news 
broadcasts should be monitored for events that may impact on 
the local security situation.  Americans who become victims 
of crime while in Guyana are advised to contact American 
Citizen Services at 011-592-225-4900 x4222, or the U.S. 
Embassy Duty Officer after hours at 011-592-623-1992. 
 
Criminals in Guyana are increasingly willing to resort to 
violence while committing all types of crimes. 
 
If confronted by an armed criminal, do not argue or attempt 
to confront him/her in any way.  Quickly relinquish what you 
are asked to surrender. 
 
Most foreigners are very visible in public and should take 
precautions when visiting downtown areas.  Visitors should 
avoid wearing expensive jewelry, displaying large sums of 
cash in public, or otherwise appearing ostentatious. 
Visitors are advised to make every attempt to change currency 
at hotels or airports.  Visitors are strongly discouraged 
from exchanging currency on the street, as this is a 
dangerous practice. 
 
There have been reports of criminal incidents in the 
vicinities of the major hotels used by tourists and US 
Government employees traveling on official orders.  Walking 
along outside after dark, even in the immediate vicinity of 
these hotels, is not recommended.  Most violent crimes 
against foreigners have been confined to the capital. 
However, there have been a few incidents of violent crimes 
committed in other parts of the country as well. 
 
The use of public transportation, such as mini-buses, by 
visitors unfamiliar with the country is highly discouraged. 
The use of reputable taxis is generally acceptable, such as 
those offered through the major hotels and tourist agencies, 
as they are usually safer, more reliable and inexpensive. 
Travel to the interior of the country requires caution; 
therefore, travelers wishing to visit the interior are 
advised to make use of well-established tour companies for 
safer experiences.  There have been reports of tourists and 
foreigners being robbed while traveling in the countryside, 
occasional reports of bandits on rural roads and piracy on 
the local rivers. 
 
----------------------------- 
FURTHER INFORMATION 
----------------------------- 
 
VII. American Citizen Services can be contacted at 
011-592-225-4900 x4222.  After regular business hours and 
weekends the Embassy Duty Officer can be reached at 
011-592-623-1992.  If the Embassy Duty Officer cannot be 
reached contact the Regional Security Officer at 
011-592-227-3918 or 011-592-665-1010. 
 
----------------------------- 
OSAC COUNTRY COUNCIL 
----------------------------- 
 
VIII. There is no Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) 
in Georgetown.  The Embassy maintains contact with the 
business community through its Economic/Commercial section. 
The RSO is working to establish an OSAC Committee in 
Georgetown as there are a large number of Guyanese/Americans 
present, and a number of American owned businesses. RSO will 
consult with the South America Regional OSAC Coordinator to 
obtain further information. 
 
¶2. The point of contact for this cable is RSO Millie 
Dominguez.  The number of the American Embassy is 
011-592-225-4900.  RSO Dominguez is available to provide 
security information to any American company.  RSO Dominguez 
can be contacted via email at dominguezmh@state.gov or 
through the RSO Direct Line at 011-592-227-3918 or the 
Embassy main number at x4245. 
 
 
Jones