No subject

I wish I had time to provide more frequent updates on the PC program in but 
it has been hectic for me and my staff, trying to develop the
appropriate responses to the threatening situations along Guinea's
borders with Sierra Leone and Liberia, and at the same time carrying on with 
the normal day-to-day activities that will make PCVs' service as pleasant, 
safe and productive as possible.

Without further apology, here's the latest news as we see it here in
Guinea.  This past Thursday (28 September), 40 PCVs were sworn-in at the 
American Ambassador's residence in Conakry.  It was a very nice
ceremony, in a lovely setting, that was well attended by the American 
community and Government of Guinea officials.  I know that in view of some 
of the news reports this scene of tranquility may seem unusual but the truth 
is, that except for areas along the borders with Sierra Leone and Liberia, 
things are quiet in Guinea.  That is not to deny that those events have all 
of us worried, nor is it likely that the conflict at the border will stop 
any time soon.  Border conflicts have been waxing and waning in those areas 
for the past ten years.  We are all hoping that things will begin to calm 
down again and that the conflict will not undermine the stability of the 
country.

PC Guinea's response has been to remove PCVs from sites in areas that
are at risk, which includes the N'Zerekore region in the Forest and the main 
road from the Forest to Mamou.  This provides us with a very large buffer 
zone in which there are no PCV sites.  We feel confident that the sites now 
occupied are safe and secure, but we will continue to monitor the situation 
and take appropriate action if there are new threats to other areas.  I, and 
others familiar with the situation here, feel strongly that the safest place 
for the Volunteers in Guinea is at their sites.

The 40 new PCVs have moved out of Conakry to the Regional Capitals of
Boke, Labe and Kankan.  They will spend several days in the Regional
Capitals before moving on to their new sites.  As in the past, the
second-year Volunteers are working hard to help with this transition and 
provide an invaluable support to the new Volunteers during the very 
difficult first few months.  The staff also will be keeping close tabs on 
them and offering the best support possible.  Unfortunately, there are 7 
second year PCVs were displaced by the conflict and will have to change 
their sites.  Since all of this happened rather suddenly we are still in the 
process of developing alternate sites for several of the Volunteers. Our 
goal is to have everyone in their new homes by October 27.

My best wishes to all,

George Greer
Country Director, Guinea


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