Consideration of the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2026 has been deferred to the next sitting of the National Assembly, scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
The decision was taken during the sixth sitting of the Thirteenth Parliament on Wednesday, following a request by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.
The bill was slated to be read for a second time. However, when the legislation was called for consideration, Dr. Singh requested that the House defer the matter until its next regular sitting.
“Permit me, Sir, to propose that the Former Presidents’ Benefits and Other Facilities Bill 2026, Bill No. 10 of 2026, published on the 4th of June 2026, be deferred for consideration at the next regular sitting of this National Assembly,” the Minister stated.
The request was accepted, allowing the proposed legislation to remain before the House for consideration at a subsequent sitting.
The bill seeks to establish a legislative framework governing the benefits and facilities available to persons who have previously served as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
It proposes the repeal of the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2015 and the introduction of provisions addressing the entitlements of former heads of state.
Among the benefits outlined in the proposed legislation are residential utility services, personal security, transportation, medical care and administrative support.
The bill also contains provisions relating to household assistance, vacation allowances and taxation arrangements for former presidents.
The proposed framework is intended to provide statutory arrangements governing the facilities and services available to former presidents following the completion of their terms in office.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, has previously explained that the 2015 legislation introduced restrictions on certain benefits and that the proposed changes seek to establish a consistent legal framework governing those entitlements.
