US embassy cable - 05GEORGETOWN1182

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 001182 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OTRA, AINF, PGOV, PINR, GY 
SUBJECT:  Country Clearance Granted for Harry Ponting and 
Robert Sutter 
 
REF: STATE 201628 
 
1.  Post welcomes Harry Ponting and Robert Sutter to Guyana 
from November 16-20 to assist in implementing the classified 
web publishing initiative Net-Centric Diplomacy. 
 
2. Control Officer is Timothy Birner, telephone 592-225-4900 
ext. 220, IVG 747-0220, fax 592-227-0240.  Control officer's 
email address is BirnerTD@state.gov.  The Embassy's business 
hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:00pm.  The Embassy is 
closed on local and American holidays.  Post will meet and 
assist at the airport. 
 
3.   Reservations are confirmed for Mr. Ponting and Mr. 
Sutter at Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara at the rate 
of US$75 + 10% tax.  The confirmation number is 3718.  The 
point of contact at the hotel is Sarwan.  The hotel's phone 
number is (592) 220-1091. 
 
4.  U.S. passport holders (including diplomatic, official, 
and service passports) do not require a visa to visit 
Guyana. 
 
5.  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. 
 
6.  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 
 
SIPDIS 
controlled access facilities with the RSO and ISSO. 
 
b.  Unclassified portable computer 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. 
 
7.  Official visitors are required to receive a security 
briefing from the RSO shortly after arrival at post. 
 
BULLEN