Benefits received by former presidents and widows following passing of Act No 8, 2009

Dear Editor,

I write to offer clarification on the benefits received by Former Presidents and their widows following the passing of Act # 8 of 2009.

The below mentioned former Presidents of Guyana and First Ladies received
the pension as listed hereunder:

(1) On December 3, 2004, Mrs Hoyte received $87,143. Following this Act # 8 of 2009, Mrs Hoyte received from 2006          –     $347,395

2007                                             –     $378,660

2008                                             –     $489,468
November 2010                           –     $543,543

(2) Her Excellency, Mrs Janet Jagan received in 2000 $125,867 per month. From October 1, 2006 she received $729,529 per month.

March 2009 Legislator            –        $137,938
Ex-President                            –       $876,692

(3) Former President Arthur Chung got from October 1, 2006, $729,529 per month. The last amount paid in June 2008 was $1,085,427 per month.
(4) Mrs Chung got a widow pension of $542,714 up to August 2009.

In addition they were entitled to the following:

1.     Motor vehicles and drivers
2.     A gardener
3.     Payment of utilities bills (electricity/telephone/water)
4.     Payment for security at the residence or the provision of security
personnel
5.     Payment of maids
6.     Payment for medical expenditures
7.     Payment of an Annual Vacation Allowance for Ex-President and Spouse
8.     Duty Free Concession for motor vehicles

Yours faithfully,
N K Gopaul
Secretary to the Cabinet (ag)