Jagdeo racked up $45M in electricity, travel and security

- does not include monthly pension, other benefits

After weeks of not providing answers, the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has responded to A Partnership for National

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Unity (APNU)’s Desmond Trotman, yesterday disclosing that Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, racked up bills in excess of $45M on transportation, security and electricity bills to be paid for by the State.
The expenditure incurred by Jagdeo is provided for under the Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) Act, which he made Law in 2009.
This expenditure ($45, 417, 948) disclosed by Dr Singh, is separate and apart from Jagdeo’s monthly pension, which is excess of $1M, along with his other uncapped benefits.
The figures provided by Dr. Singh, represent the money the State spent on Jagdeo on the three items (transportation, security and electricity bills) from the time he demitted office in December 2011 up to February 2014.
Jagdeo’s total electricity bill for the duration stated has amounted to $9,875,680. His average monthly bill is $365,766.
For transportation, Jagdeo utilized $15, 220, 748 with the largest amounts being reflected in December 2013 ($3, 810,739) and February this year ($7, 592, 911).
In February last, the month that reflected the highest transportation cost, Jagdeo was medivaced to United States, Florida, where he was reportedly treated for Dengue.
The State spent a total of $20, 321, 520 for Jagdeo’s security over the 27-month period, an average of $752,649 monthly. All security services are done by serving members of the Presidential Guard Service.
The number of vehicles and guards provided to the former President were not provided.
Trotman had also queried the total monthly health expenses/claims met for Jagdeo and his dependents during the specified period, but according to the information provided, there strangely wasn’t any, despite being hospitalised overseas.
Trotman had tabled the questions in the House as he wanted “to know the unlimited benefits being enjoyed by former President Jagdeo by the sweat of taxpayers”.
Jagdeo is able to have all these benefits and more without any limitations based on an Act passed in 2009, during the life of the ninth Parliament.
The Act secured lifelong financial security for all former presidents, but has generated heated debates and parliamentary action.
APNU Parliamentarian Carl Greenidge had taken a Bill to the House last year meant to place caps on the benefits to be enjoyed by former presidents, and while it was approved by the majority in the House, it was never assented by Head of State, Donald Ramotar.
Under the Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) Act, Jagdeo receives payment in respect of the expenses incurred in the provision and use of water; electricity and telephone services at the place of residence in Guyana; services of personal and household staff, including an attendant and a gardener; services of clerical and technical staff, if requested; free medical attendance and medical treatment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for the medical attendance or treatment of himself and the dependant members of his family; full-time personal security and services of the Presidential Guard Service at the place of residence; the provision of motor vehicles owned and maintained by the State; toll-free road transportation in Guyana; an annual vacation allowance equivalent to the cost of two first class return airfares provided on the same basis as that granted to serving members of the Judiciary; and a tax exemption status identical to that enjoyed by a serving President.