My comments on ex-presidents’ pension were misread

May 15, 2012 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Lurlene Nestor’s retort (KN May 12) saying any comparison with pension and expenses of Guyana’s ex-President with former US Presidents “is not sober reasoning” is replete with unsubstantiated conclusions and inaccuracies about my positions on the “Jagdeo Pension Act” (her description, not mine).
Contrary to what Nestor penned, I never offered a position on the issue of pension for Guyana’s ex-Presidents other than to state it should be based on affordability (socio-economics) to which should also be added socio-politics, given the divisive nature of the society.
And contrary to what Nestor penned, I never offered a defence or “justification for the Act”. On the contrary, I don’t think we can afford it.
Also, I did not make any comparisons in pensions and benefits granted by the ‘Jagdeo Act’ and those benefits received by ex-American Presidents and I did not support the President’s Pension Act . I simply provided information on recent benefits received by former American Presidents and suggested that the Guyana government should not pay for expenses of ex-Presidents if they are earning high income. (I do not know if Jagdeo is earning an income).
Again, contrary to what Nestor penned, no mention was made of benefits received by Jagdeo and its appropriateness. Prior to Nestor’s comment that Jagdeo is getting $3M per month (her figure), I did not know the amount. I did, however, state that if the President were to receive a salary, he should waive any expenses to be covered by the state under the Pension Act as it is being called for in the US relating to benefits received by ex-US Presidents.
The Guyana ex-President is entitled to a pension, as indeed all former leaders of nations around the world are entitled. As I clearly stated, a pension to former leaders should be based on affordability and standard of living, etc. It is for the Parliament or a commission to determine an appropriate amount.
Contrary to the conclusion drawn by Nestor, I do not have any political affinity with the PPP/C and the issue is inconsequential to me. However, I agree the nation can’t afford a pension of $3M a month for anyone. But Nestor is not addressing the issue dispassionately. Instead, she, like her PNC colleagues, is playing politics with the issue. Nestor knows that the Act cannot be changed without support from the government and its assent by President Ramotar. The matter should be addressed in a non-partisan way without the parties appearing to gain political mileage from it.
I notice also she is only addressing Jagdeo’s pension, not that which is being received by the former Opposition Leader and others. Nestor’s opposition to Jagdeo’s pension and the tone of her retort to my letters comes across as vindictive. It gives an impression that she wants to get back at Jagdeo for his Presidency.
Vishnu Bisram

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