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Former Presidents Benefits Bill borders on vulgarity

May 06, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
I read the many articles in the daily newspapers written by Mr. Freddie Kissoon et al and I must say that I am left speechless.
Whatever became of Dr. Jagan’s dream and slogan; Lean, Mean and Clean? Is this part of the much touted dollar-a-day philosophy?  Did this vision and commitment to the suffering masses die with Dr. Jagan?
The burden the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill puts on the hard working Guyanese people by the extravagance it guarantees Mr. Jagdeo for life, borders on vulgarity. I can almost hear Dr. Jagan shouting, “This is what you call squandermania gone mad”.
Based on the lavish life tax payers will have to provide for Mr. Jagdeo after he retires, we will now have more presidential candidates come 2011. The interest is no longer about the people but about perks. The great John F. Kennedy once said, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” This is the kind of thinking that has helped to make America rich and powerful. We need to embrace selflessness and reject selfishness if we are to move forward as a nation. And it is indeed a shame that those on top cannot lead by example.
I recall a discussion with Dr Rupert Roopnarine where he said, “This PPP Government is making the PNC look like Boy Scouts” Yes! My dear friends many concerned Guyanese went after the PNC, why not go after this run-away PPP Government for worse behaviour?
Poor people are suffering; drug lords are taking over the country; torture, killing and rape are becoming the key features of our so-call democracy, and the list goes on and on. Dr Jagan would have never done this to the poor Guyanese people and this includes LFS Burnhan, Hoyte and Mrs Jagan who have all fought for Independence and a better Guyana.
Where are the Private Sector, GAWU, religious organisations and other NGOs? Remember, united we stand, divided we fall!
The same standard used to judge the perceived excesses of the PNC should be applied to this out-of-control government. Double standards and ethnic cleavage will only hasten our own demise.
The big question is: Does Jagdeo deserves these benefits he “willed” to himself? Did he think of those poor farmers and struggling sugar workers who leave their homes at 4:00 a.m. in the morning to work and make an honest living? Jagdeo is killing poor people with the VAT yet this Ayatollah has exempted himself from paying taxes.
People of Guyana, you have all pooled your individual power to empower Jagdeo to make laws that will protect you and serve your best interest, but instead he has used that power to satisfy his own self-interest. I hope that come 2011 the people of Guyana will say to the PPP: Enough is Enough!
B. Beni Prashad Rayman

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