Former Minister and former Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson took her “Kill the Bill” campaign directly to the Office of the President on Vlissengen Road on Tuesday, vowing to keep protesting until the government withdraws the controversial Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill.
Armed with placards denouncing the proposed legislation, Ferguson picketed outside the Office of the President, arguing that the government should abandon the bill instead of expanding taxpayer-funded benefits for former Heads of State while many Guyanese continue to struggle with the high cost of living.
Speaking with Village Voice News, Ferguson made it clear that Tuesday’s protest would not be her last.
“I will continue the protest,” she said, pledging to maintain public pressure until the legislation is withdrawn.
Her demonstration came a day after political activist Kidackie Amsterdam staged a similar protest on the East Coast of Demerara, carrying the same message—”Kill the Bill.” The back-to-back demonstrations suggest that opposition to the legislation is spreading beyond political parties to individual citizens determined to keep the issue in the public spotlight.
The Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill, currently before the National Assembly, seeks to overhaul the benefits package for former Heads of State. Among the proposed entitlements are enhanced pensions, state-funded security, office accommodation, transportation, administrative staff and other taxpayer-funded benefits.
Opponents argue that the legislation comes at the worst possible time, contending that while thousands of Guyanese continue to grapple with soaring food prices, rising utility costs, stagnant wages and persistent poverty, the government is moving to expand privileges for former presidents.
The debate has intensified following President Irfaan Ali’s recent acknowledgment that he owns the sprawling Long Creek ranch at the centre of a growing national controversy over wealth, transparency and accountability. Those opposing the bill argue that its timing has heightened concerns over the government’s spending priorities and the use of public resources.
The government has defended the legislation, maintaining that former presidents require adequate security and institutional support after leaving office and that the bill modernises benefits to reflect present-day realities.
Those opposing the legislation, however, contend that the measure sends the wrong signal at a time when many citizens continue to struggle despite Guyana’s unprecedented oil revenues, arguing that scarce public resources should instead be directed toward healthcare, education, public security and measures to improve citizens’ standard of living.
Ferguson says the protests will continue until the government withdraws the legislation and “Kills the Bill.”
