Jagdeo airdashed to Florida Hospital
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo is reportedly in a Florida Hospital, having landed in the United States of America early Saturday morning. Accompanying him is Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop who was described as his best friend.
According to reports, Jagdeo had a persistent fever and diarrhea.
How long he had this condition was not ascertained.
What is known is that a privately-owned Lear jet out of Florida landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) shortly after 21:00 hours Friday night.
His entourage comprising Dr. Ramroop and his security detail arrived at the airport at 22:00 hours. The aircraft took off for Florida at 22:30 hours.
This publication understands that the chartering of a Lear Jet, from Florida to Guyana and back for a medivac, would cost between US$35,000 (G$6M) and US$40,000 (G$8M).
On May 28, 2009, then President Jagdeo assented to the controversial Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) Bill bringing it into to law.
Under that Act, he would receive free medical attention and medical treatment, paid for by the state, or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for the medical attention or treatment of himself and the dependant members of his family.
Jagdeo became Guyana’s youngest ever President when his predecessor Janet Jagan demitted office in 1999.
He served until the elections in 2011 when he was succeeded by President Donald Ramotar.
During his term in office Jagdeo he initiated many controversial projects, among them the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric Project, the Marriott Hotel project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project and the failed Skeldon Modernisation Project.