THE phony righteous indignation displayed by some of the members of the opposition during the debate in the National Assembly on the benefits to be enjoyed by Guyanaxs former Presidents is amusing.

These persons in their efforts to personally attack President Bharrat Jagdeo seemed to be speaking of the benefits as if it were he alone who would receive them. While acknowledging that Prime Minister Samuel Hinds would also receive these benefits when he retires from public life, the emphasis of the debate seemed to be focused on the current serving President.

They tried to create the impression that there was some ulterior motive for the passage of the Bill. The truth is that these benefits would have been enjoyed by any former president with or with out the Bill as has been practiced over the years.

The ascribing of sinister motives by the opposition and some media reports need to be countered with the facts. Too often the media seeks, with out producing evidence, to portray the impression that government officials cannot be trusted and that they are involved in corrupt transactions.

The Bill will ensure that a person having assumed the Office of President would not have to become involved in corrupt transactions to secure their future upon leaving office.

The media operatives while trying to demonise government officials do not display that same vigour with all public officials. For example the revelation that some opposition members of the National Assembly having applied for and received duty free concessions, to purchase a vehicle for their own use, have sold the concessions to other persons who were not entitled to receive such concessions, should be fully investigated by the media houses and the information made public.

This is a form of corruption that must be stamped out because it enables persons to enrich themselves at the expense of tax payers. Media houses should report on this activity if they wish to remain credible.
JEAN RAMROOP
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