THE Ministry of the Presidency yesterday refuted claims by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that State resources were used to celebrate President David Granger’s birthday.The refutation comes in the wake of a statement from the PPP alleging, inter alia, that President Granger  held “a huge Birthday Bash” at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Base Camp Ayanganna, to which hundreds were invited, and that “this blatant abuse of State resources…” was cause for serious concern.
The following is the full text of the statement issued in response by the Ministry of the Presidency:
“The Ministry of the Presidency would like to correct the disinformation and scurrilous accusations made by the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) in a Press Release dated July 16, 2015.
“The birthday luncheon to commemorate the 70th birth anniversary of His Excellency, President David Granger, which was held yesterday, July 15, 2015 at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayangana, cost the taxpayers of Guyana absolutely nothing.
“No State resources were used. This event was organized and paid for by the “Friends of David Granger”, a grouping that includes retired Army Officers residing in Guyana and the Diaspora, and business and professional men and women who have supported the President’s political career for over five years.
“Further, let it be clear once again, that no State resources were expended when government officials travelled to New York for the June 15, 2015 ‘Unity Rally’, which was organised by the Guyana Victory Committee, a group which includes Guyanese businessmen and women, political supporters of the APNU+AFC, and Guyanese Americans living in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut).
“The cost for travel, food, accommodation and ground transportation were all underwritten by the organisers of this event.
“What the APNU+AFC government finds interesting in that release, however, is that the PPP/Civic has finally admitted that during its tenure in office, they abused State resources.”