Benschop lashes out at the political opposition for lack of effective representation

“Straight Up” host Mark Benschop within recent weeks has been expressing discontent on his programme about Guyana’s political climate. His major concern is that in the face of failed leadership of the People’s Progressive Party Government, the Opposition is not demonstrating the ability to get the job done and give hope to the nation, particularly young people.

Benschop also expressed his growing concern to this publication of a failure of the parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition to deliver leadership. He said they are not presenting a climate of hope and confidence in their abilities to deliver what is necessary for a unified and better Guyana.

When asked to be specific, the talk show host and social activist said those who are head of the government are not working in the interest of people and many who want to lead are not genuine.

He cited increasing cost of living, growing corruption in the police force, businessmen and government ministers being sanctioned by the United States (U.S), the working class being disrespected and deprived. Benschop contrasted this with the failure of the Opposition to make full use of the opportunities placed before them to deal with crime, corruption and discrimination

On the issue of local businesses being sanctioned by the U.S government, Benschop blasted the Guyana government for not acting while the information of those guilty of crimes, committed within the jurisdiction is readily accessible. They are hoping to hoodwink the people of Guyana that they wrote the U.S government for information and awaiting this act when they can get the information if they so desire, he said.

Touching on the issue of thousands of jobs the government said it created, the social activist questioned the accuracy of the figures given the level of corruption, even of data. “No one knows who is benefiting from these jobs,” he said.

He also referred to the government bulldozing the properties of the people of Mocha/Cane View, East Bank Demerara. According to him, the Opposition has more than enough issues to represent in the interest of the people of Guyana and they are failing to perform outside of parliamentary sittings.

With indignation the social activist cited the excuses made by the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, on protest that this would be a last resort. He said as a result of this thinking the Opposition has been rendered totally ineffective and may even be perceived acting inimical to the interest of the people.

Benschop, a firm believer and advocate for protest, said with protest there is huge potential for change.

He is also of the view that for some in the opposition the tone is of such, and the culture seem to be developing to impact others to feel that sloganeering is the best way to address issues at hand.  The talk show host also said the Opposition spends too much of time on mediocre press conferences rather than serious activism.  “This is not how any worthwhile Opposition must function. Politics is hard work and sacrifice and those who cannot do it must quit”  he urged.