Has anybody been to Georgetown, Guyana?

[imcarthur]

I have to go to Georgetown, Guyana in early December for a couple of nights on business to install some loudspeakers. My Miami-based dealer will go down with me. He told me that it is point to point travel while we are there with gun-totting security guys driving us around. My wife is not happy.

Is it really that hairy there? We fly in via Trinidad.

Ian

PS and yes, I know all about Jonestown but that is off in the jungle to the southwest.

Ian

[KFC911]

Don't drink the kool-aid, and good luck

[imcarthur]

My dealer told me the rum is very good, so I'll stick to that.

Ian

[911boost]

Make sure the security company is reputable, and well known. Listen to what they say.

[Tishabet]

My old college roommate is from there, he said it was pretty bad.

[charleskieffner]

here.............hold my kool-aid and watch this!

[The Gaijin]

Half the country now lives in New York. Some pretty ladies, that is for sure. A big mix of South Asian "Indian", African, European, Chinese and Native peoples..

[Heel n Toe]

From the State Dept. website...

CRIME: Serious crime, including murder and home invasion, continues to be a major problem; the murder rate in Guyana is three times higher than the murder rate in the United States. In early 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. An investigation into these attacks is continuing, but most of the perpetrators are still at large. In addition, there have been several instances of random shootings at night at police headquarters or police stations in Georgetown. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, consider security issues when planning activities throughout Guyana, minimize movement when possible, and avoid traveling at night, when possible.

Armed robberies continue to rise, especially in major business and shopping districts. Hotel room strong-arm break-ins are also increasing, 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 occupants should keep their doors locked and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Robbery and theft occur with some frequency in Georgetown and New Amsterdam. U.S. citizens should avoid stopping in or traveling through the village of Buxton, which lies along the road between Georgetown and New Amsterdam, and Agricola, which is located on the East Bank highway. The Department of State recommends that Embassy staff using the public golf course at Lusignan, next to Buxton, do so in groups and only during daylight hours.

Pickpocketing, purse snatching by thieves on bicycles, assault, and theft can occur in all areas of Georgetown. The areas adjacent to the sea wall and the National Park in Georgetown, although frequented by joggers, dogwalkers, and families are generally considered safe during daylight hours, have been the scenes of crimes in the past. Travelers should exercise extra care when visiting these areas after dusk. Pickpockets and thieves also frequent Stabroek and Bourda, the two major markets, and great care should be taken to safeguard personal property when shopping in these markets. U.S. passports and permanent residency cards are prized by thieves as they may be used for smuggling and identity theft.

There have been numerous incidents of piracy in recent months in and around the waters of Guyana. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

Travelers should avoid walking alone around Georgetown, even in the main areas and especially at night. Although bandits have been known to attack taxis, they are generally safe and remain the safest means of getting about town and to and from the airport for visitors. Only taxis from reputable companies should be used. Exercise constant vigilance. Do not dress ostentatiously, as there have also been reports of gold chains or other jewelry being snatched off of pedestrians.

The response of local law-enforcement authorities to the increase in violent crime has been largely ineffectual; the police are cooperative but lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Nevertheless, Americans who are victims of crime are encouraged to contact the police as well as the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section.

More:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1133.html

Scroll down to Guyana... no idea if these numbers are "complete:"
http://travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/death/death_594.html

[charleskieffner]

sounds like another tricky day in any u.s. major city! a walk in da park for ya!

bribe the local federale with a $100 bill for protection and maybe he will even let you shoot his chrome .45!!!

jes tell them yer the south american rep for kool -aid................or better yet wear the kool-aid costume drink pitcher and they will steer clear of you like ya got AIDS or the PLAGUE! lol.

[Rikao4]

High end speakers..guarded by what tanks,
place sounds like they would steal air if they could figure out how.


Rika

[imcarthur]

The customer has a compound. He owns several corporations & a bank (and one hell of a hifi system).

I read the State Dept warnings. They tend to overdo it but Lonely Planet says about the same.

Ian

[Heel n Toe]

Maybe try to find out what comprises the "security guys?" If it's just a coupla guys with Glocks, you might want to ask for more.

Also, are they locals (more likely to be corrupt) or traveling down with you?

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Maybe try to find out what comprises the "security guys?" If it's just a coupla guys with Glocks, you might want to ask for more.

Also, are they locals (more likely to be corrupt) or traveling down with you?

No. My dealer went down 3 years ago & a car met them (well, actually it was a bit late) at the airport which is 40 miles south of the city. Driver + guard - both packing. He told me they were always driven around by the duo & didn't go anywhere but the private compound or the hotel. And it was fine. The hotel has a bar, so that solves everything.

We'll need a day to set up the speakers, so 2 nights maximum. In & out.

But it looks like the CDC says I should get yellow fever shots.

Ian

[artplumber]

It is one of those places where hands come off if there are nice rings and watches on them. Think machetes, open windows, at a stoplight/sign.

I don't think there is a lot of kidnapping like Brazil and Mexico.

[URY914]

I hope you're hitting the client with a surcharge for the pucker factor.

[CanuckRS]

I was born in Guyana but haven't been back in a long time....Heed the state department warnings....I still have friends back there and everyone of them do not leave thier houses without some form of security (gun or bodyguards)....Don't travel alone and when you're about, don't wear any jewellery...It's a shame as it was once a very beautiful country and the people are generally nice but there is alot of crime and the police isn't too reliable...

[K9Torro]

I knew a guy who spent some time there, let me see I think his name was Pappyon or something like that.............

[CanuckRS]

Originally Posted by K9Torro

I knew a guy who spent some time there, let me see I think his name was Pappyon or something like that.............

Papillon did spend some time in Guyana (British Guiana as the time) after he escaped from Devil's Island which was part of French Guiana...

[artplumber]

One wonders if things might not improve dramatically in a few years. Was reading about a silicon valley company making biodiesel from sugar cane stock. Cane is the major source of income (IIRC) for Guyana. Therefore, the communists might be gone soon and Ian might be doing more jobs down there.

[imcarthur]

OK . . .

I guess there goes the early morning walks. In fact, any walks. Thanks for the dose of reality, Peter. I will stay safe. I am not a live-on-the-edge kind of guy but I committed to go & so I will.

And as for the flashy jewellery . . . well, I don't even wear a watch, so there won't be a problem.

Ian