Warden Information

Warden Message - Civil Unrest

April 8, 2008

This Warden Message is being issued to alert American Citizens traveling to or living in Haiti that sporadic protests have escalated in Port-au-Prince and its environs. The protestors are blocking main routes with burning tires and barricades in Carrefour, Martissant, La Saline, Canape Vert, Delmas and downtown Port-au-Prince. The Embassy received reports from MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police (HNP) that protestors are scuffling with the police, throwing rocks and committing acts of vandalism throughout Port-au-Prince. The HNP also reported that several businesses and gas stations have been damaged in Port-au-Prince. The HNP stopped protestors from breaking into the National Palace. Tear gas and rubber bullets are being used to disperse crowds of protestors. Random gunfire has been heard in the capital. Many schools, stores and businesses have closed because of the tension and violence. The airport remains open and commercial flights continue on a normal schedule, though traffic on the road to the airport has been disrupted at times by some of the protests. As reported in Warden Message No. 49, protests continue in the city of Les Cayes, located in the South Department of Haiti.
 
The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security/safety awareness. Americans are encouraged to remain indoors if demonstrations are taking place in their vicinity. Monitor the local news and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Also be sure to keep friends and family updated on your welfare and whereabouts. The Embassy reminds all citizens to avoid crowds and demonstrations as even those intended to be peaceful may suddenly turn violent. The Embassy will continue to evaluate the situation and notify U.S. citizens of any potential security threats.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov <http://www.travel.state.gov/> , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. Citizens living and residing in Haiti are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online
registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov <https://travelregistration.state.gov> .

In case of emergency, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section is located at 104, rue Oswald Durand, Port-au-Prince. The telephone numbers are: (509) 223-7011, 223-6440, 223-6443, 223-6421, 223-6426, 223-6424, 223-6407, and 223-7008. The fax number is: (509) 223-9665. Our e-mail address is acspap@state.gov. If you have an emergency when we are closed, please call the Duty Officer at (509) 417-2399 or (509) 558-9099, or you may call Post One (U.S. Marine Guard) at the Chancery at 222-0200.