GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Jul. 5, CMC – One of Guyana’s opposition parties, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), is calling on citizens to stage peaceful protests on Monday, CARICOM Day, against proposed legislation that would significantly expand state-funded benefits for former presidents.
WPA executive member Kidackie Amsterdam said the proposed Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2026 would place an unnecessary burden on taxpayers while many Guyanese continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.
“The issue before Guyana is one of priorities,” Amsterdam said, arguing that public funds should instead be directed toward better salaries for teachers, nurses, police officers and other public servants, as well as improved healthcare, pensions, youth employment and support for agriculture and small businesses.
He estimated that restoring uncapped benefits for former presidents could cost the State an additional GY$100 million to GY$200 million annually, on top of existing pensions.
Under the proposed legislation, the current 2015 law, which limits benefits for former presidents, would be repealed. The new bill would restore broader benefits, including tax exemptions, security, staffing, transportation, travel and medical benefits, even if a former president is engaged in private business or paid employment.
Amsterdam said the planned demonstrations are about protecting public finances rather than politics.
“This is not about personalities. It is about protecting the public purse. It is about demanding responsible governance,” he said.
The WPA is encouraging trade unions, religious organisations, community groups, youth organisations and members of the private sector to join the protest, which is scheduled to begin Monday morning in Buxton. Supporters in other parts of the country have also been urged to hold peaceful demonstrations in their own communities.
Former opposition parliamentarian Annette Ferguson has also endorsed the protest, describing the proposed legislation as “unconscionable” and saying it would place an unfair financial burden on citizens at a time when many are facing economic hardship.
The government has defended the legislation, which would replace the existing 2015 law that was introduced by the previous administration to cap benefits available to former presidents.
CMC/gy/kb/2026