THE current action of the political opposition presenting a Bill that seeks to repeal the benefits and other facilities to which former presidents are entitled, must be unique in its action and substance anywhere in the world.

It is a given, that since these leaders would have served their country, then such entitlements have been earned. Immediately, there are those who will raise the issue of justification. The response here is that such would have been determined in advance.
After all, a former Head of State/Government must be materially comfortable and live in a dignified manner. Such comes with the turf, for all those who may argue otherwise. And given a former leader of the stature of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, one who  served this nation and its peoples beyond the call of duty, such benefits as are the focus of the opposition’s parliamentary assault are not really too much. But despite such an opinion, whatever benefits the former president is at the moment receiving, are within the schedule as calculated. Even the AFC leader has conceded this much.
In fact, the pension is calculated at seven-eights of the salary received during incumbency. This, again, according to the opposition, is not their concern. They are challenging the other benefits, which they are alleging are open ended/uncapped.
Surely, the latter smacks of envy, even ‘jealousy’, as one print media has boldly headlined.
Would they had they ascended to government, allowed/entertained such a challenge to their choice of Head/State/Government?
Readership, one does not even have to debate this, since the answer is automatic.
But such is the nature of politicians in general to which many of the hue of the local opposition subscribe.
What is good for them must not be for their opposite counterparts.