Government paying 500,000 US dollars each for Ministers house
The State has been renting a house from businessman and politician, Peter Ramsaroop, for Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes. The facility is being rented at a monthly rate of 500,000 US dollars, being paid by the Parliament Office.
Another is being rented for Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Patterson. This arrangement has raised the eyebrows of many, including former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall. He is of the opinion that this arrangement is offensive since it is not being governed by any Constitutional provision or order. Nandlall penned a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, seeking more information on the arrangement which he claims is unlawful. Apparently, Nandlall was not aware that Patterson is enjoying a similar arrangement as that which is being enjoyed by Broomes. “Please provide me with the statutory/constitutional provision or Order, which authorized such use of public monies. I further request copies of any other such rental contracts for living accommodations for Ministers of the Government entered into by the Parliament’s Office/Clerk of the National Assembly.”
The letter was sent to Isaacs on Monday. Up to last evening, Nandlall had not received a response. However, Isaacs was very open with Kaieteur News when an explanation for the arrangement was sought. The Clerk said that unlike what has been published in sections of the media, it is not true that the house allowance for ministers which is provided for in the law has increased. “But, we have been renting quarters for two ministers out of Georgetown (Valerie Patterson and Broomes). Indeed we have been paying 500,000 US dollars a month for the houses. Isaacs quoted the law which says that the Prime Minister, Attorney General and senior ministers of the government are entitled to rent free quarters. Isaacs said that those who have their own homes do not go into rent free quarters.
(Kaieteurnews.com)