– says he is yet to look at provisions
Newly-elected Opposition Leader, David Granger is assured of a range of benefits along with his salary and a pension, following the passage in 2010 of the Leader of the Opposition (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2009.
According to the legislation, the holder of the office shall be entitled at government expense to rent-free furnished office accommodation; medical attention, including medical treatment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for himself and the dependent members of his family; full-time security service at his official place of residence and at his office to be provided by the Guyana Police Force; the services of a research assistant, an executive assistant/ secretary, a clerical/ office assistant, a chauffeur, a personal security officer, a gardener and two domestic servants; and salary, vacation allowance and parliamentary benefits equivalent to those of a Cabinet minister.
Granger and other members of the opposition had criticised the package for the former president and had vowed to alter it once elected president. Even after the results of the elections, both the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) said that they would make amendments to the former president’s benefits package.
Now that he is opposition leader, questions are being raised as to whether he deems his package too extravagant, and would he seek to alter it.
Contacted on the issue, Granger said he is not in a position to comment on the package since he has not looked at the provisions as yet, and is to meet with the clerk at Parliament to determine the actual provisions.
“I see my office as playing a more dynamic role to its constituents and I believe there is a need for an independent office and appropriate funding for it.” Pressed on the issue, Granger said that it is impossible to say whether what is offered now is adequate or extravagant, noting that a better financial analysis is needed.
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