In the National Assembly…
THE National Assembly yesterday unanimously supported the provisions set out in the Leader of the Opposition (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill 2009, presented by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.
Minister Singh, in his presentation, said the Bill seeks to provide for certain facilities and services to the Leader of the Opposition at the expense of the State.
These services include: rent free, furnished office accommodation, medical attention including reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by the Opposition Leader and dependent members of his family, full-time security service at his official place of residence, services of a research and clerical assistants, a secretary, a chauffeur, a personal security officer, a gardener and two domestic servants and vacation allowance as is applicable to a Minister.
The amendments that were tabled by the Opposition, which they subsequently withdrew, reflected the essence of those that were tabled by Minister Singh. Additionally, Minister Singh’s amendments also included the entitlement of salary, vacation allowance and parliamentary benefits equivalent to those of a Cabinet Minister.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, in his remarks, said this should be seen as a step in maturing of the Government and parliamentary arrangements in Guyana.
People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament (MP), Lance Carberry said they have reached an agreement with the Government with respect to this Bill.
“We support the amendments tabled by the Finance Minister but we want to make clear that these amendments do not represent any new benefits, but rather they represent benefits that are already being received by the Leader of the Opposition,” Carberry said.
He pointed out that the benefits and facilities for all constitutional office holders should be documented in law so that there will be no question of the exercise of discretion and added that the PNCR is happy that the Government is moving in that direction.
Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader, Raphael Trotman reiterated Carberry’s statement and said that at all times, there should be transparency and definition in terms of salaries, benefits, and emoluments.
“We are happy that all of the benefits that were previously being received and had been negotiated have now come to light and that they are now set up in law,” he said.
He also called for constitutional office holders to exercise prudence in their spending practices since Guyana does not have an extravagant economy.
The Bill then received its second and third readings and was passed as amended.