Irish fans are warned of Georgetown dangers

Irish supporters travelling to the next round of the ICC Cricket World Cup have been advised to take out travel insurance which includes the cost of medical evacuation because health facilities are so poor in Guyana.

Ireland play their first three games in the Super Eights in the capital Georgetown starting with a potential match against England next Friday.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the elderly or people with medical problems should think carefully before visiting there. He advised supporters to ensure that their insurance policy covers the cost of medical evacuation as well as treatment in Guyana.

According to the US State Department, medical care in the South American country is available for minor medical conditions, but treatment for major illnesses is limited because of "a lack of appropriately trained specialists, below standard in-hospital care, and poor sanitation", while ambulance cover is frequently not available. Mr Ahern also warned Irish supporters of a serious crime problem in Georgetown which he described as a city which is "particularly badly affected by violent crime".

The US travel advisory said Georgetown has a murder rate three times that of the United States and embassy staff are only allowed to travel to and from the airport in official cars because of fear of carjacking.