Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Executive Member and Buxtonian Morning Time host Kidackie Amsterdam is urging Guyanese from all sectors of society to join a nationwide protest against the Government’s proposed Former Presidents’ Facilities and Benefits Bill 2026, arguing that Parliament is prioritizing expanded privileges for former Heads of State while many citizens continue to struggle with the rising cost of living and inadequate public services.
In a statement issued Sunday, Amsterdam called on trade unions, religious organisations, community groups, youth organizations, private sector bodies, civic organisations and concerned citizens to participate in a peaceful demonstration on Monday, July 6, from 10:00 a.m. at Church of God Road, Buxton, while encouraging similar protests in communities across the country.
“The people of Guyana are once again being called upon to defend the principles of fairness, accountability and responsible governance,” Amsterdam declared.
The protest comes as the PPP/C administration advances the Former Presidents’ Facilities and Benefits Bill 2026, which seeks to amend the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act of 2015.
The 2015 law imposed limits on financial rewards, staffing, healthcare and other entitlements available to former Presidents after leaving office. Those limits were introduced after the original 2009 legislation provided uncapped benefits.
If approved by the National Assembly, the 2026 Bill would remove many of the restrictions enacted in 2015, effectively restoring broader benefits. The 2015 amendments were intended to ensure that while former Presidents received pensions and other benefits in recognition of their service, the allocation of public funds remained reasonable and fiscally responsible.
In light of the proposed amendments, Amsterdam said the legislation fails to reflect the priorities of ordinary Guyanese.
“This legislation represents, in my view, a disturbing abuse of the Government’s parliamentary majority. It seeks to impose upon the people of Guyana a bill that many citizens have neither requested nor can reasonably afford,” he said.
He argued that the Bill sends the wrong message at a time when many families continue to face high food prices, unemployment, stagnant wages and challenges accessing quality healthcare, housing and education.
“The 2026 Bill is, in many respects, a resurrection of proposals first advanced in 2009, seeking to provide expansive benefits to former Presidents. While Guyanese should treat former Heads of State with dignity and respect, such respect must also be balanced with fiscal responsibility and fairness to taxpayers.”
Amsterdam said his concern is not with former Presidents receiving benefits, but with the potential expansion of taxpayer-funded obligations.
“The concern is not simply that benefits are provided, but that the legislation could substantially expand the financial obligations placed upon taxpayers through extensive medical, travel, staffing, accommodation, security and related benefits. Depending on how these provisions are administered over time, the cumulative cost to the Treasury could amount to many hundreds of millions of dollars over the years.”
He maintained that public resources would be better directed toward pressing national needs.
“Every additional dollar committed to generous post-office benefits is a dollar unavailable for urgent national priorities.”
According to Amsterdam, comparable funding could instead improve salaries and benefits for teachers, nurses, police officers and other public servants, strengthen healthcare services, expand assistance for pensioners and persons with disabilities, support school feeding programmes, upgrade community infrastructure, and increase investment in education, agriculture and small businesses.
“The issue before Guyana is therefore one of priorities,” he said.
“At a time when many citizens continue to experience economic hardship and when public servants continue to advocate for improved compensation and working conditions, Parliament should not be focused on enlarging the package of benefits available to a small number of former office holders.”
Describing public office as a position of service rather than entitlement, Amsterdam added: “Public office is a privilege of service, not a pathway to unlimited taxpayer-funded privileges after leaving office.”
He also appealed for Guyanese to put aside political, ethnic and religious differences and unite in opposition to the legislation.
“I therefore urge every Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion, to stand together in peaceful protest against this legislation.”
He stressed that the campaign is not directed at any individual.
“This is not about personalities.”
“It is about protecting the public purse.”
“It is about demanding responsible governance.”
“It is about ensuring that national resources first improve the lives of ordinary citizens before expanding benefits for those who have already served in the highest office and are already enjoying considerable benefits.”
Amsterdam emphasised that the demonstrations are intended to be peaceful and lawful.
“Let us demonstrate peacefully, lawfully and respectfully,” he urged. “Let us send a clear message that Guyana’s wealth belongs to all Guyanese and should first be used to improve the quality of life of the people.”
The proposed legislation is expected to spark significant public debate as Guyana continues to benefit from unprecedented oil revenues while many citizens remain concerned about the rising cost of living and whether the country’s growing wealth is translating into improved living standards.
The Bill is likely to face close scrutiny as Parliament weighs whether expanding benefits for former Presidents represents an appropriate use of public funds at a time of competing national priorities.
