In a recent interview with Village Voice News, prominent social activist Mark Benschop, host of the radio show ‘Straight Up with Mark Benschop,’ and owner of 107.1 FM, delivered a pointed call to action for the United States (U.S) Donald Trump administration to address widespread corruption and human rights violations in Guyana under the current People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government.
Benschop, known for his outspoken criticism of the PPP regime, stressed that the U.S must take a more assertive stance in holding the Guyana Government accountable for its actions. “I’m calling on the Trump administration to take another look into Guyana,” Benschop stated. “The corruption within the PPP is staggering, and it’s harming the people of Guyana. I urge them to swiftly disassociate from this regime and ensure that the agency heads who are aiding and abetting this corruption are held responsible.”
According to the 2024 Corruption Index Report by Transparency International, corruption in Guyana has worsened significantly, with the country experiencing a continued decline in its ranking. Benschop pointed to this report as evidence of the deepening crisis, noting that Guyanese citizens are witnessing the manifestation of corruption every day.
“It’s right in front of us—whether it’s in the poorly executed infrastructure development projects, the distribution of cash grants, or even the blatant misuse of taxpayer money to buy votes ahead of the upcoming General and Regional elections,” he said. “The PPP’s corruption is no longer a hidden issue; it’s an open, everyday reality that Guyanese have to endure.”
Benschop particularly criticised the leadership of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali, accusing them of exacerbating the country’s political and economic crises. “The corrupt PPP regime has brought the country to its knees, and it’s important that the Guyanese people understand that the U.S 38% tariff, though harsh, is a consequence of this leadership,” he said. “The blame lies squarely on the shoulders of Jagdeo and Ali, not on the Trump administration.”
Whilst acknowledging the severity of the tariff, Benschop urged citizens not to deflect blame onto external forces. “Guyanese must look inward and recognise that their own government, not foreign powers, is responsible for the hardship they are facing,” he said.
Benschop also expressed hope that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would take a more vocal stand against the PPP. While recognising Rubio’s need for diplomacy, Benschop cautioned that the PPP was using U.S. diplomatic language to falsely portray the American government as supportive of their regime.
“The PPP is using the Secretary of State’s diplomatic stance to present it as full support, but the evidence is there—daily reports show the deepening corruption,” he added.
Throughout the interview, Benschop highlighted that the fight against corruption in Guyana would require the international community to stand firm and refuse to tolerate the actions of the current administration. He urged the U.S. government to take concrete steps to support the Guyanese people in their fight for justice and transparency.
Benschop’s words come at a time of growing dissatisfaction among many Guyanese citizens, who continue to face hardships under the PPP’s governance. His outspoken advocacy for accountability reflects his broader commitment to promoting justice and human rights, both in Guyana and beyond.
Individual activists like Benschop, Rickford Burke, Melissa ‘Melly Mel’ Atwell’ and organisations like the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), for years have been calling for immediate action to curb social ills such corruption and marginalisation to ensure a brighter future for the people of Guyana.
Support from the international community, particularly the United States, could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country.
