The government of Guyana is preparing to repeal the restrictions on benefits for former presidents that were put in place by the previous APNU+AFC administration. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, made this announcement during his weekly television program, Issues in the News. He stated that the government aims to restore the unlimited benefit structure that was established under the 2010 Former President’s Benefit and Other Facilities legislation.
The proposed bill is expected to be presented for its first reading in the National Assembly as part of the government’s legislative agenda. Nandlall explained that the original 2010 law was designed to codify long-standing, unwritten executive benefits into state law, ensuring a clear post-retirement package for former heads of state. However, after a change in administration, the APNU+AFC coalition amended the act to impose strict limitations on state spending for former presidents.
These amendments not only set utility limits but also removed tax exemptions for former presidents. Additionally, the 2015 changes included penalty clauses that stipulated a retired head of state would lose their entire pension allocation if they engaged in private business, accepted paid employment, or were convicted of a criminal offense resulting in imprisonment.
Nandlall pointed out that the coalition’s amendments were aimed at targeting the retirement packages of former presidents Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramatar, and Samuel Hinds. However, he noted that the changes did not achieve their intended goal due to the principle of non-retrospective law.
The new bill aims to eliminate all utility caps and reinstate comprehensive state-funded coverage for retired presidents and their dependent family members. This restored package will include coverage for electricity, water, and telephone bills, as well as full-time security details, transport assets, and household staff. The administration believes that returning to the original 2010 framework will ensure that all former leaders are supported with dignity and protected from political adjustments.
Source: hgptv.com
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