TDY Gouge - Jamaica

Norman Manley Int'l, Jamaica -Recommend not staying in the hotel (Morgan Bay?) that is provided by the station manager. Port Royal hotel was decent. Hilton was a very nice hotel. Be prepared for a 2-3 hour ordeal with customs and immigration. We broke here for 3 days and getting the prop and other tools out of customs took all day the second day, which had I not been at the airport all day would have been a good deal. They require a Form C-36 for customs on any parts coming in which they never actually took from us and they finally let us download the MRT airplane anyway. The AMC rep., Ken Harris, was great. He was able to help us out with most problems. Chief Porter from the MLO was a great help as well for all the unexpected problems with customs. The requirements here change on a daily basis so expect the unexpected. Use the embasssy military liaison office to book rooms. They will put you at the Hilton in the middle of downtown which is very nice. The tower rooms are nicer than the garden rooms but not as close to the pool. Reasonable rates for massages and great food which was reasonably priced for the per diem you'll make. The hotel also had prepaid cell phones for rent. No charge for the phone itself and they are international capable. Minimum of 40 international minutes was only 20 USD which was a steal when compared to direct dial from the rooms @ 1.20 USD per minute. If you're broke and using an Iridium, throw the Iridium in the pool and go rent a cell. Much easier. For transportation back to the airport you will have to catch a taxi or bus. We used JUTA tours which is readily available at the hotel. The bell captain can help you out if told in advance or call directly to Mr. Donavan Green @ (1876) 783-4766 or 367-3671. He will also provide group rates to any of the beaches on the north coast. Just remember that all rates are up for negotiation on everything here. If you are looking for entertainment ask the hotel bartenders who can direct you to the happening spots which change each night.

Melody L. Brown AMC Station Manager Kingston, Jamaica cell: 876-877-5513 fax: 976-935-6030 maytagaircraftjamaica@yahoo.com

Great AMC station manager. Melody was very helpful and proactive. Coordinated trans and rooms (Hilton) for us. Got us an aircart when our APU broke also.