Former presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar have filed separate legal challenges to a law enacted earlier this year to cap their benefits as former heads of state.
Through their attorney Murseline Bacchus, Jagdeo and Ramotar are asking the court to declare that the Former Presidents (Bene-fits and other facilities) Act 2015 does not retroactively affect their entitlements.
They are also seeking declarations that the Form-er Presidents (Benefits and Other facilities) Act 2009, which was repealed, vested property rights in them that became absolute when they demitted office and that they are entitled to receive their entitled benefits within a reasonable time after leaving office. They also seek an order compelling the Finance Minister and/or the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority and/or their agents to immediately provide the financial benefits conferred by the old law.
Attorney-General Basil Williams yesterday announced the lawsuits during a press conference at his Carmichael Street office,