MR. ERIC Moseley (SN May 15) and Ms. Lurlene Nestor (SN May 11) adamantly oppose the President’s Pension Act. Both individuals are known opponents and critics of Jagdeo and as such it is not surprising that they are critical of comments I made about the ex-President’s pension eligibility. It may very well be that their hate for Jagdeo causes them to oppose pension benefits for the former President who did a fabulous job to revive Guyana’s ailing economy from the crutches of 28 years of misrule.

The two PNC writers come across as vindictive individuals out to get back at the former President for what may have transpired between them.

Neither Nestor nor Moseley is addressing the issue of Jagdeo’s pension dispassionately. Jagdeo deserves a pension as do all former Presidents, Prime Ministers, opposition Leaders, MPs, public servants, etc. The President’s pension should not be opposed just because he had issues with certain individuals.
Nestor and Moseley, like their PNC colleagues, are playing politics with the issue. They are only focusing on the pension of Jagdeo, not the other individuals who benefit from the Pension Act. Nestor and Moseley and the PNC friends ought to know that the Act cannot be changed without support from the government and its assent to by President Ramotar.
They have made the issue into a political football seeking to score points betraying their sincerity in addressing the issue.
The matter should be addressed rationally and dispassionately. The tone of the opposition from Nestor, Moseley, and the PNC to Jagdeo’s pension is vindictive and will do nothing to advance the politics of the country or race relations that are in a fragile state.
Since he left office almost six months ago, Jagdeo has been working feverishly to bring benefits to Guyana. Because of his legacy, Guyana is well known internationally. The country stands to receive tens of millions of American dollars annually in aid and Jagdeo’s lobbying may help to bring in more funds. Instead of attacking Jagdeo, the opposition should propose ways to use Jagdeo’s expertise and service to benefit the nation.