GUY$45 million spent on Jagdeo’s electricity, transp and security

Last Updated on Friday, 11 July 2014, 1:53 by GxMedia

More than GUY$45 million have been spent on electricity, transportation and security for Former President Bharrat  Jagdeo in 27 months since he left office in November, 2011, according to information supplied to the National Assembly.

However, the government refused to provide information on how much was spent on health benefits for Jagdeo for the same period December, 2011 to February, 2014.

Based on the information supplied by Permanent Secretary, Omar Shariff, no money was spent on electricity between February, 2012 and May, 2012.

Figures show that Jagdeo consumed GUY$9,875,680 worth of electricity during the period- the highest being GUY$1,478,337 in June, 2012 and GUY$1,206 in February, 2013. The lowest was in December, 2012 and January, 2013 when GUY$313 and GUY$407.

In terms of transportation, GUY$15,220,748 was spent on transportation provided by vehicles owned by the State. The highest was GUY$7,592,911 in February, 2014 and the second highest GUY$3,810,739. The lowest spent on vehicular transportation dates back to April, 2012 when GUY$33,542.

The Former President’s security, which is being provided by the Presidential Guard Service, cost GUY$20,321,520 for the same period.

The information was provided in the name of the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh in response to questions by opposition A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) parliamentarian, Desmond Trotman.

Trotman in March, 2014 had asked what are the electricity charges, total health expenses/claims, transportation and security  paid under the Former President’s Benefits Act since he demitted office to February, 2014.