Dear Editor
I WISH to refer to an article titled, “Cap on Ministers’ housing allowance was increased to $500,000 in 2015” published in Tuesday’s issue of the Stabroek News.
From the onset, it should be noted that the caption is most misleading. The house allowance paid to the Ministers of the Government, in accordance with section 4(a), (b), (c) and (d) of Chapter 1:07 of the Laws of Guyana, was not increased in 2015. The accounting records of the Parliament Office have revealed that the housing allowance was increased to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) per month with effect from 1st January, 1994, by Order No. 36 of 1995.

The law does not treat with the rental of houses for Ministers of the Government. Chapter 1:07 treats with the payment of salaries and allowances to ministers, members of the National Assembly and the holders of certain other offices. Depending on the cost of the rent, the approval of the National Procurement and Tender Administrative Board is also obtained.
The practice of providing ministers with rented houses commenced approximately fifteen (15) years ago when the previous Administration was required to rent houses for several ministers of the Government.

As far as I am aware, only two ministers of the present Government are provided with rented residence. In light of the aforementioned, I take this opportunity to advise that your (SN) reporters be accurate when reporting on matters which can become sensational.

Regards
Sherlock E. Isaacs
Clerk of the National Assembly