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‘There’s a price on my head’ - Benschop

Community activist Mark Benschop said yesterday that he has been informed that there is a price on his head.

Mark Benschop

Benschop said that a man went to his Robb Street office and informed him that money has been paid to have him killed.

However, he has chosen not to report the matter to the police since he believes that the force cannot be trusted.

Benschop, who has over the years spoken out against the government, was incarcerated for five years on a treason charge, until he was granted a presidential pardon last year. He yesterday stressed that he would not bow to intimidation but would continue to speak out without fear.

Benschop made the threat public on his newspaper’s website – www.guyanaobserver.com shortly after he was informed of it.

In the news article, he said he had been informed by “a reliable source that there is a plot to have me killed.”

Since his release from the Camp Street prison over a year ago, Benschop said, he has been followed; suspicious characters have been hanging around him and there are numerous prank calls to his home. He said he has not reported any of this to the police, but instead confided in close friends and associates. Benschop said he first learnt that there was a price on his head late last month.

He told this newspaper that he first heard of the threat to end his life during Carifesta from several sources in the security forces. He then made a decision to leave the country, but returned several days later.

He said that he heard nothing more of the plot until yesterday.

He recalled that a few months ago, he and another businessman had observed two suspicious men on motorcycles, near the Court Yard Mall, where his office is located. Benschop added that after hearing the men’s description, security contacts said the men were known characters.

He said he was also informed that a motorcyclist was instructed to follow his every move.

“I know there are persons in the political arena and top ranking phantom squad who are not comfortable with me and others who are speaking out about the atrocities affecting citizens”, he said.

He added that several articles appeared in the Guyana Observer, his New York-based newspaper, about certain so-called criminals who are allowed to drive around with guns while the government turns a blind eye.

He issued a call to the citizens of Guyana to stand up and confront those “known political criminals once and for all” stressing that they would continue to create havoc nationwide if they continue to dwell among us.

“No one can make me run from standing up for the people by speaking out about the atrocities committed by the government and people associated with them. The drug lords and the phantom have killed [Ronald] Waddell. What has been done about it?” he added.

Comments

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156 Responses to “‘There’s a price on my head’ - Benschop”

freespeech
on September 19th, 2008 6:13 am

wow, another seeking public sympathy, if he has a witness then let go to the SF with a lawyer, the press and make the report.
in my opinion these guys are so isolated they need 24/7 attention.

[Reply to this]
Sean
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 8:28 am:
Freespeech, you seems to be living in a hole. Wasn’t Waddell killed for speaking out and you’re calling the outcries of these individuals as seeking public sympathy? The Police Force need to provide security to these individuals and investigate these threats and determine if they are legitimate or not. It’s a know fact that the Phantom has the backing of some in Government; why don’t the JS hunt them down like they did to “fineman” & “Skinny”?

[Reply to this]
john brown
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 12:38 pm:
Freespeech are you for real ? seems you don’t have a clue about events in Guyana.

freespeech
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:05 pm:
if you need protection you dont go to the press you go to the police.
when you go to the press you need attention

Gtmama
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 12:12 pm:
I agree with you Sean, its very unfortunate that people can’t seem to accept the fact that we’re living in a dictatorship country. If you’re not with the government you can’t say anything negative.

[Reply to this]
Durbie
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 8:32 pm:
Gtmama, Are you living in a dictatorship? Give me a break you are in the US. Characters like Lewis and Benchop need attention. If someone wants to kill them they would have gone a long time. Why only speak of Wadell why not Sash Sawh?? See my drift!!

ChocolateCCM
In reply to the above comment on September 21st, 2008 6:01 am:
Durbie You said, “Gtmama, Are you living in a dictatorship? Give me a break you are in the US. Characters like Lewis and Benchop need attention. If someone wants to kill them they would have gone a long time. Why only speak of Wadell why not Sash Sawh?? See my drift!!????”

WHO IS SASH SAWH, what happened to him or her, and who killed the person?

EVILEYES
In reply to the above comment on September 22nd, 2008 9:47 am:
GTMAMA: If you were living in a dictatorship you wont have a media to write to…or maybe you dont understand how dictatorship works:::

Sean
In reply to the above comment on September 21st, 2008 5:48 am:
Let’s be real freespeech, is the GPF capable of providing protection to the people of guyana? Keep it real and be objective. You go to the press to highlight and bring these issues to the attention of the Government and hope that they react appropriately; what did the government in this case? NOTHING

[Reply to this]
ChocolateCCM
In reply to the above comment on September 21st, 2008 5:56 am:
You said, “if you need protection you dont go to the press you go to the police.
when you go to the press you need attention”

You make no sense, why must he go to the police when they are for certain people and whomever the govt give the the okay to torture or protect?

You run to your killer’s right hand, then say you want sympathy. THINK BEFORE YOU TALK.

[Reply to this]
SHARMA
In reply to the above comment on September 21st, 2008 10:49 am:
YOU ARE SO RIGHT THAT I CAN SPELL THE WORD FROM RIGHT TO LEFT
THGIR.

SHARMA
In reply to the above comment on September 21st, 2008 10:26 am:
FREESPEECH, I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD GO BACK TO GUYANA AND LIVE OR WEAR ONE’S SHOE THAT THESE PROBLEMS ARE AFFECTING

[Reply to this]
amen-ra
on September 19th, 2008 6:54 am

Here we go again, sometimes i don’t really know what to make out of this news, it seems that every person who speaks out against the govt is targeted for speaking out. Why is it in a democracy is this happening, as i can recall back in the 60,s prominent people like malcom x, martin luther king and many other were assisinated for speaking out, but those are days are gone. Why is it in guyana which is deemed a democracy no one can’t speak their mind without being harrased or targeted, just the other day was oliver hinckson, then we had mr. lewis, now it’s mark, whose next. This should’nt be tolerated in a democracy where freedom of speech is curtailed. Whosoever is doing this needs to be investigated.

[Reply to this]
Simplicity
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 7:55 am:
i completely agree with you amen-ra, there are gov’t officals who trying to instill fear into the ctiizens of guyana, and you must be there and keep your mouth shut, but they must know that whatever is done in the dark will come to the light.

[Reply to this]
Ruel Daniels
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 8:28 am:
Because the political and cultural climate in Guyana at the moment is much like that in which Martin Luther king and Malcolm X were operating. The people walking around making threats against Benschop and Lewis might not be wearing white sheets and hoods, but their persuasion and that of their minders is no different from those with antipathy for Malcol and Martin during their activism for freedom and equal rights.

[Reply to this]
ink09
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 10:18 am:
How can you speak about Mark Benschop and Martin Luther King in the same sentence and keep a straight face? Benschop can never be compared to MLK any day of the week! MLK was a man who promoted peace and fought injustice, while Benschop is an attention ****e who constantly seeks the spotlight whenever he gets the chance. Here is a man who was in cahoots with people who freely chanted and promoted ’slo fyah, mo fyah’ while carrying out violent and destructive protests. And while I’m at it, Benschop shows where he stands when he brings up Waddell and atrocities. Waddell was a man who openly encouraged the criminal gang in Buxton and showed his undying support for them; a criminal gang which robbed and murdered innocent, hardworking Guyanese. Waddell even said a prayer for his criminal buddies in Buxton. How can these men be taken seriously and be seen as ‘fighting for justice’ when they encourage criminals and brutal acts upon the innocent?

Nobody is saying that the PPP govt. is great and just, but supporting criminals and murderers who target and murder innocent men, women and babies is not a way to fight the government and fight for equality.

Pepie
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:01 am:
Bloggers i’ve been saying this since the beginning of June, there is another force/gang/squad out there. God Help us

[Reply to this]
colt45
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 2:03 pm:
Pepie, some of the bloggers cannot see past their hatred for the JS

drumup_change
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 1:16 pm:
.. …………..amen.. let me say this to you……………….where there is poverty there is crime………………mark is not a fool!!………….he and others whose life people are seeking to neturilize should leave guyana…………………and seek a a life somewhere else…………..why………..????…………..in guyana most of the people would anything to exist…………..nobody want plant………….some want to support change……………….others want to sit back and wait on food for the poor…………and government hand out,…………………….remittance and barrel………and some would work under cover to shoot down good guyanese……………..because they connected…………….so i say to people leave the country and allow the government to eat away from within………………this government understand the importance of poverty and its place in power…………….mark my advise……………..leave………

[Reply to this]
Charriot
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 12:15 am:
Amen-ra,,,, Guyana is a dictatorship. Democracy in Guyana is window dressing.

Democracy means freedom,,,freedom of speech, press, vote, radio. Guyana has none. One cannot even start a business without having to pay off government officals for the licensing.

[Reply to this]
vatvic
on September 19th, 2008 7:55 am

The site http://www.guyanaobserver.com is a no hit however the google alternative hit
http://guyanaobservernews.com seems to be the correct site. It’s an interesting site at first glance

[Reply to this]
joe joe
on September 19th, 2008 8:05 am

He does not trust the police but then some police officer told him also that they is a price on his head.Hey this man is living in nightmare. Look out for more of his tricks

[Reply to this]
john brown
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 12:41 pm:
No joe joe he aint living a nightmare there are members of the force who just don’t like whats going on.

[Reply to this]
tyronemiller
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 6:25 pm:
Yes Mr Brown i understand there are some cops who cant stand the situation but what can the do abt it cause the will face the same consquences n those r the ones that think abt there families n other ppl family …..in the Guyana PF u have to know who u r dealin with within the force there are a lot of snitch n ur life can b in danger
eloise
on September 19th, 2008 8:06 am

why these things happen in our beutiful country,

this should,nt be tolerated.

it seems to me that guyana is not democrat, at all

in a democracy country, the people is free to speak .

[Reply to this]
DMACK
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 10:22 am:
Maybe when the next election comes round, we the ppl will ask our respected party for social equality and not vote on race or fear of our neighbour, and may be then we might know what democracy taste like.

[Reply to this]
RALS
on September 19th, 2008 8:18 am

Very soon you will hear that every Harry, Parry and Gildharie will have a ‘ Price’ on their head. Utter rubbish.

[Reply to this]
zainno
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:29 am:
it used to be Tom, Dick and Harry now it is Harry,Parry and Gildharie. Nice one. Here is where I come for my daily laughs. The news in news papers in Guyana is like reading Archie comics.

[Reply to this]
Ryno
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:07 am:
so you’re trying to say that you believe that these threats are just prank?

so then why was Mr. Lewis also intimidated?

angel
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:15 pm:
true, lol

APEEPINU-DOJ
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 10:27 am:
Sometimes I wonder out loud when i hear the garbage spewed like in this case….if you think that everything in Guyana is so honkey dorey, then why do you hide in Canada and not Guyana?

[Reply to this]
DMACK
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:11 am:
I agree with you there must be something in the air in Canada, for people to go there and lose since and bearing on reality.

zainno
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 3:30 pm:
FOR YOUR INFORMATION I WAS IN CANADA B4 THE PPP CAME TO POWER.
I run from the PNC and the kick down door robbers that was prevelent in their days.Also no JOBS and opportunity,all the deteriorating roads and infarstructure,shortage of food, and the list goes on and on.That was the norm in the days.That’s what I run from. Now that I am settled here I see no need to go back.

freespeech
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:20 pm:
we run from the criminals and the dictator in the early 80s,
we had no PNC card to get a job, we had no pnc card to obtain food, we had no pnc card to obtain fertilizers for the rice crop, we had no pnc card so we had to keep our mouth shut, we had no pnc card so the police raid our houses, DO YOU WANT MORE.
why you run from guyana during the pnc reign.

angel
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:19 pm:
not the news in Guyana for what is going on, but what some of the bloggers say can be laughable at times

LONESTAR
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:59 am:
You said it RALS. Soon everyone will have a price on their head even though theirv head is worth nothing

[Reply to this]
coolieman
on September 19th, 2008 8:21 am

Mark and Lewis have the same agenda, attack the JS and govt. Maybe ‘Fineman’ and ‘Skinny’ jumbie is after them

[Reply to this]
Gtmama
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 12:07 pm:
Boy, coolieman, your man says it all. Its people like you who have their heads in sand, that’s why this country can’t move forward. So what if the man makes these claims, why you got to jump to the conclusion he got an agenda. People who are obviously not of your race are being forced to be quiet and not speak of the atrocities of the current government. Why haven’t you stopped to question why is it people are being targeted for free speech?

[Reply to this]
coolieman
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 2:32 pm:
GTMAMA do you and some of your ppl here know that free speech comes with responsibilities, it is Mark who is being racial with his website and interviews. I listened on one of his interview in NY on youtube , he said that the indian govt of guyana is supporting the killing of over 500 black people in guyana, I can go on and on with all his lies he is trying to pull on people who dont know the truth, it is said when you tell one lie you will have to tell 1000 lies to cover it up so that is what Mark is doing right now

zainno
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 3:35 pm:
The country as you say can’t move forward because some people are bent on causing mischef. Form their leaders down to the common man. With comments like slow fyaah/ mo fyaah.

DUDE
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 3:59 pm:
SN, whenever bloggers start the race game, you should bar ALL their letters - as GTMama’s. We know where you are comming from!!!

good guy
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 11:49 am:
I agree with Coolieman –they both need attention since they have falen off the popularity radar . Gtmama —they have free speech in guyana –try living when Burnham was alive and ruling . As someone said –if the persons wanted them –it would have done a long time ago . Behnshop and Lewis –if you cant handle the heat –get out of the kitchen .

Pepie
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 8:46 pm:
Its amazing how Coolieman can reference race in a derogatory manner and not have his comments edited.

Moderator Shame on you.

[Reply to this]
guyanaspice
on September 19th, 2008 8:23 am

and the beat goes on,i am sure there is someone in the police force u can trust,i know they all are not corrupt.can a honest cop please help mark,mark u need to make a report,u know what they will say next if u dont,and the beat goes on.y cant we all just get along,god bless guyana and no place else.

[Reply to this]
james
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:29 am:
He can’t trust the police force, but the info was given to him by members of the security forces. Why not use those same members to make a report or take your report to the international embassies or the UN office.

[Reply to this]
EVILEYES
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 2:11 pm:
guyanaspice::::ehehehe God bless Guyana and no place esle????
God bless Kitty and no place else ehehehehehehehehe long live all Kittytonians..

[Reply to this]
angel
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:27 pm:
somethings people say in this blog u just cant help laughing, god bless Agricola too
guyanaspice
on September 19th, 2008 8:24 am

wow i got blog.

[Reply to this]
guyanaspice
on September 19th, 2008 8:25 am

guess i cant speak my mind

[Reply to this]
guyanaspice
on September 19th, 2008 8:25 am

sorry to hear that mark

[Reply to this]
guyanaspice
on September 19th, 2008 8:27 am

guess guyanese living in guyana cannot speak their mind,this is sad

[Reply to this]
Ravi
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 6:35 pm:
He is all about hate speech what are you people talking about. Go on YOU TUBE and see what is being aired on some of his TV program. what he is calling for is not covered as free speech.
I would like to see someone on CNN, FOX and MSNC to broadcast something like that and see what the FCC will do with them.
I wish some of you on here that blog could take the time and read what is covered as free speech. Not any garbage out of your mouth you can wave a banner as freedom of speech.

[Reply to this]
vijay deo
on September 19th, 2008 8:28 am

Seems like a marketing strategy to promote his website.
Another thing,why militancy has be aways be part of the solution.Its part of the third world mentality.For this same reason there will always be third and first world…developed and developing…and rich and poor.

[Reply to this]
michelle30
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 8:53 am:
Why when someone life is being treatened it has to be a publicity stunt? come on be lagical and try to understand what is going on in our country(guyana) the government is trying to shut people up by driving fear in them, and he is right not to go to the police, because you just don’t know which one of them to trust, my god what is guyana coming to we need to pray for our country.

[Reply to this]
DUDE
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 4:03 pm:
All this rubbish about not know who in the Police Force to trust. All you dudes, I have one question and I want a straight answer: If Mark or Lincoln goes to the police to make a report, would he be shot on the spot??

kay
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:02 am:
I dont think its a strategy to promote his website. I honestly believe him. “Who feels it knows it.”

[Reply to this]
DMACK
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 10:48 am:
Vijay, what exactly are you doing in Canada, you gone to a first world country, and know you are looking down on your ppl. Militancy is used all over the world first, second, third and last world!!!
Militancy (noun), extremely active in the defence or support of a cause, often to the point of extremism. What do think is going on in Iraq, or do you think they are spreading democracy.

[Reply to this]
tweetybird
on September 19th, 2008 8:38 am

sorry to hear your plight mark,

[Reply to this]
tweetybird
on September 19th, 2008 8:54 am

coolieman,how dare u talk about skinny and fineman,arent they dead,u people just dont get it,leave the dead people out of this.

[Reply to this]
Pepie
on September 19th, 2008 8:59 am

A few days ago I posted a comment for which Stabroek News moderator never carried. It was about the threats to black leaders and activist and here we go again. Moderator you need to be fair and let people tell it as it is and not always see race as the primary message in every post that reference race or ethnicity. The truth is that black leaders are being targeted.

Lets name a few, The Leader of the opposition (Robert Corbin) reported similar threats, Mr. Ronad Waddell - well he is now dead, Mark Benschop - who was incarcerated for 5 years on treason charges and later released after President Jagdeo concluded, not the courts, that he had learnt his lesson, Oliver Hinkson - met with a top official of the ruling Party and also address a gathering at City Hall is now on Seditious Charges, Mr. Lincoln Lewis - who just recently made his disclosure concerning threats to his life and now its Mark again. Lets not forget Mr. Arokium, who after disagreeing with the Security forces reported similar threats. The one thing that all these men have in common is telling it as it is, which is speaking out against the atrocities. The one question I ask you moderate, rather two, aren’t all these men of African descent and do you and other bloggers think that they are all crazy?

Just reading these reports all carried by your news paper one is only left with the awful taste in ones mouth that you too is being silence, which reminds me of Rickford Burke response to your May 18/19 Editorial.

[Reply to this]
DMACK
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 12:02 pm:
Pepie I agree with you up to a certain way with some of your African candidates, but Robert Cobin…….. I think as long as he is the leader of the opposition; it’s more of a plus for the ruling party, am sorry to say, I think he is a liability.

[Reply to this]
tweetybird
on September 19th, 2008 9:06 am

everything will b ok

[Reply to this]
kid
on September 19th, 2008 9:09 am

I think he should be cool and learn from his mistakes, migrate before things go wayward and enjoy family life in peace. And i assure him that things will be more better for his family, just seek God and live happy i know he is a fighter but a fighter dont’ always win the battles…..

[Reply to this]
Fulano de Tal
on September 19th, 2008 9:10 am

Whatelse do you expect MB!?!?! If the home page of your website http://www.guyanaobservernews.com has a cop accepting a “bribe” from a citizen in a car how do you expect to be treated. The evils of our society, once they go against the powers that be, must be swept under the carpet. Now, if you have smut on non-govt. supporters you can freely put those with names, addresses & whateverelse you chose. Just do not highlight our current administration’s shortfalls (they are too many) & will open the eyes of the very few with rationale & may start some public revolts.

[Reply to this]
Ravi
on September 19th, 2008 9:25 am

I think Mark Benschop is looking for attention that is all. The is living in a world of paranoia. I saw one blogger compare him to martin Luther King. Well he is no Martin Luther King or anything close to him.

[Reply to this]
geeteerebel
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:28 am:
from where I’m standing he has paid more the freedom Guyanese than you or most Guyanese will in a lifetime.
Or are you willing to put your record up against his?

[Reply to this]
amen-ra
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 12:05 pm:
please, i wasn’t comparing mark to martin luther king ok i was just highlighting people who speaks out and rock the boat what happened to them ok, so hop off a me fenda.

[Reply to this]
Ravi
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 1:21 am:
He is rocking the boat ok. He is not doing anyone any good by inciting mayhem. All in the name for change of Party leadership.
He is putting up a smoke screen by handing out toys and stuff to kids. That is his good work.

michelle30
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 5:11 pm:
You try going to guyana and talk your mind,and see what will become of you.

[Reply to this]
Ravi
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 1:01 am:
Worst was happening when the other party was in power!!! I don’t remember you all was so open in speaking out.
torbo
on September 19th, 2008 9:47 am

mark has been in prison for five (5) years why would he want to attract
attention at this time in his life.? he has a successful program for single
women and girls , if the ppp supporters dont believe that phantom killers
are around in guyana then i can tell them no rain falls in guyana , mr. benchops
for your own good sir please move yourself and family far away from the shores
of guyana, go to barbados,antigua,st lucia, you are safer in those country , the
phantom killers are very restless.

[Reply to this]
geeteerebel
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:31 am:
Phantoms might even be “brucks” since Roger’s long vacation at Club Fed.

[Reply to this]
bishnu R
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 6:26 pm:
torbo why not to the US. with you ?
i know him peorsonaly ask he left the US?
the best part is i belive him
i also belive he is looking the wrong way.

THINK/REMEMBER;
I ALSO KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT GOING TO GET THROUGH.

[Reply to this]
torbo
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:21 pm:
BISHNU I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THAT, HE CAN COME HERE ANYTIME
HE IS WELCOME.
nips
on September 19th, 2008 10:01 am

This guy is so shameless and predictable.When would he be thankful he is not in jail?This guy drives fear into Guyanese people.He is the one that is causing the hostility in the country.Vijay is right this also looks like a marketing strategy.

[Reply to this]
michelle30
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 3:17 pm:
I am embarassed to even read your blogg, you sound so uneducated why is he shameless and predictable? why should he be thankful that he is out of jail? come on you need to sit down and think before you jump and make a comment that makes no sense.This man is fighting for guyanese have you ever done anything for the guyanese people/ maybe he drives fear in you because you are use to let people do and say whatever they want,and you do not stand up for yourself,but Mark is an individual who is different. The person or persons who is reoponsible for the hostility is right in front of your face and you still don’t see them.You need to sit down and rethink your statement, and if you still can not see yuor confussion then you are in a sad state.

[Reply to this]
Durbie
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 8:46 pm:
Michelle30, the man is fighting his own fight. This Government was democratically elected by more than 50% of the voters. They has a right to govern they way they sees it fit. It they don’t they they will be replaced but as of now there are over 50% of the people willing to elect them again. Do you realize that there is no alternartive? PNC LOL!! AFC _Dreamers -can’t function within there old party what makes you think they can govern. GO PPP!!! PPP forever

freespeech
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:29 pm:
he is not fighting for guyanese, he is promoting his own self interest.
shyboilex
on September 19th, 2008 10:02 am

freespeech you are so wrong to say that, i guess you are one of those who tolerate government to do what they are doing ,this man is shining the light to all the undercover business that the government is involved in and even helping the people of Guyana to be wiser.

[Reply to this]
EVILEYES
on September 19th, 2008 10:10 am

fourth man with price on head….wow

[Reply to this]
RDMAN
on September 19th, 2008 10:18 am

Mark, engage the P.N.C,A.F.C,write letters to the foreign embassies,petition the U.N and Caricom Heads,the Human Rights Organizations and rally the Guyanese community in Brooklyn,and expose this nonsense of what is happening in Guyana,team up with mr.Lincoln Lewis and move in numbers,change routes often,use a video camera to video suspicious people that’s following you,try to get their vehicles license plates,the police are not going to help,you have to look after your own interest,it looks like the Phantom Squad is alive and well.

[Reply to this]
EDDIE
on September 19th, 2008 10:38 am

fineman and skinny is not in the news anymore, so the beat have to keep up is it a coincident that suddenly Lewis now benchop are saying there are target someone need to tell these guy’s guyanese are not stupid anymore.

[Reply to this]
APEEPINU-DOJ
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 11:28 am:
Great,,,now we’ll never know the truth about who murdered all those people that fine man is alleged to have killed, Keep an opened mind …you live in America and you look at CNN and you see the difference a lie and the truth.

[Reply to this]
lambada
on September 19th, 2008 10:52 am

Everyone knows that you are political motivated, but what you does not know is that you are just a pawn on the main opposition list, they use you as a bait and if you got eaten they cry foul. You are UNGRATEFUL to the president for pardon you, all you think about is power and you are been used by opposition.why not go to the police and give your evidence? that is because you are affraid to say that you are been used by opposition.

[Reply to this]
vatvic
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 12:28 pm:
What stupidity is this? “UNGRATEFUL to the president … ” the man was locked up without trial on unproven charges. So the Government can lock up anyone who opposes them and hold them indefinitely without trial?
This site really filling up with uninformed blogs

[Reply to this]
Pepie
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 2:08 pm:
This is what the moderator should be paying attention to. This comment is totally crap and makes no sense and Vatvic you are right. Some people can’t distinguish between injustice and a person being ungrateful and that is sad.

I am amazed at the length some of us will go to keep their friendship with the people who has done so little for the citizens of this country over the past16 years.

The PPP government almost killed this news paper company by withdrawing Government Ads. Now because of fear of this happening again the moderator has gone into protective mode, by editing your comments even when there is no malicious content.

Mr. Burke said it best when he respond to Stabroek News Editiorial of May 18/19. Even Stabroek News is experiencing this threat just look at the reactions of their moderator. This is total paranoia.

[Reply to this]
100% GTINCANADA
on September 19th, 2008 10:59 am

well Mark…me a chicken. me want live …yet another day..come on over hey an enjoy life for a litle while:) i aint tink u gun gat no motocycle man hangin out by yuh house ova hey. seriously though…think bout u family…nat uself

[Reply to this]
Theo
on September 19th, 2008 10:59 am

Fact is the PPP wants to rule by fear. And for those of you who think this is an empty threat just look at what’s happend to GT for the last 8 years- people have been assassinated at probably the highest rate in the region.

The govt can get away with it because of economics- people are too caught up with existing rather noticing that their basic liberties are erroding. And that’s also why someone can be hired to kill deh own “mattie” for just a few bucks. I’m sure Mark knows this and that’s why no one can be trusted.

PNC, AFC, UN, Caricom, etc cannot help GT. ONly Guyanese can fix that country. So for those who advising MArk to leave, I disagree. Perhaps he should send his family away, but this is a fight that we have to stop running from. Life without liberty is just like yuh dead- it aint worth living!

[Reply to this]
freespeech
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:34 pm:
that is what made we run from in the 80s.

[Reply to this]
tiger
on September 19th, 2008 11:01 am

it seems ovious that the police can not be trusted ,here’s another testemony of police’fears in guyana, the us govt once made mention of the corupted gpf of which they selves had to revocked the present police’scomm.visa on suspecion of major corrupted practices,the situation in guyana is very sad and is certainly not a so called democracy, but a country heading towards anarchy, sharma speak out and was silenced, lewis and now benschop and there will be more added to the list whosoever tried to speak their minds, very sad indeed.

[Reply to this]
Love4all
on September 19th, 2008 11:11 am

WOW! What has democracy gone to! Thought slavery was over. Gone are the days of free speech! Oh, Sweet sweet GT.

[Reply to this]
Ravi
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 1:08 am:
Free speech are alive and well. Hateful speech are not. You can’t call for death to people and call that free speech. That is not even allowed in the united states. So I don’t know what some of you people are talking about. Sometimes it makes me wonder.
North America school have failed some of you.

[Reply to this]
geeteerebel
on September 19th, 2008 11:15 am

MARK… You need security in Guyana. The citizens of Guyana already left you to rot in jail for 5 years on Political charges and seem poised to do the same to Hinckson. (Chose your battles well).

Do you have a fund setup for security that those who wish may contribute to?
If not maybe we can start one today.

You are moving in the right direction. Only the citizens of Guyana can change Guyana. I believe it should start with local governments but all roads leading to the same destination should be supported.

[Reply to this]
EVILEYES
on September 19th, 2008 11:17 am

Marice Teixeira a fisherman who was questioned about the Bartica slaughter says he fears for his safety after being warned that he would be murdered “before Christmas”.
5th man now with price on head::::but all 5 heads still on….eheheh ehehe ehehe

[Reply to this]
DMACK
on September 19th, 2008 11:31 am

Please can somebody inform me about the situation in Canada, whether the water has been ducted with foolishness juice, because some of these bloggers are cracking me up? I know it says speak your mind, but come on is this the best that can come out of Canada .

[Reply to this]
decanadianCarlVeecock
on September 19th, 2008 11:35 am

Oddly a lot of you do not seem to understand what it means to have a price
on your head in Guyana. In Guyana, I daresay, a price could be put on
anybody”s head.

Tha Mark does not trust the police is not unexpected;
Most of you probably forget the treatment he got at their hands, plus
the treatment they meted out to his wife, plus the destructions they did
to his his home on a pretext search. The list is long.

I have followed Mark”s travails and can only repeat my advices from long
ago: GET OUT OF GUYANA FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY

What happened to Benezir Bhutto?
What happened to that Philipino politician (his name is not with me now)
upon his return to the Philipines to challenge President?

I see no purpose in being a martyr in this day and age
when you can fight battles from afa.;
Use surrogates.
Use the populace.
Use the media
Use community and other support groups.

Your presence is the determinant provocation to the powers-that-be,
therefore you should operate from the distance;

C”est facile !

If Mark does read this, buddy, tek meh advice and leff right now !

[Reply to this]
Pepie
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 2:15 pm:
This was a beautiful piece.

[Reply to this]
torbo
on September 19th, 2008 12:03 pm

my conclusion is that guyana would never i mean NEVER see peace as long
as they are indians and african living in guyana , they cannot get along period
lets face it people,is only one solution to this problem…… …….

[Reply to this]
EVILEYES
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 2:26 pm:
Wrong::::::Go to Guyana>>>>See how indians and african guyanese get along on the street in the bars and at work…the problem is those at the top who lost power.those who can not rig elections anymore.listen to what they are telling their suppoters…under their rule we could never hear these words…..”slo fiah and mo fiah” make country ungovernable” “freedom fighters” “marginalised”…Its all coming from the top loosers…….Indians and Afro Guyanese need each other to survive as a nation but its what coming from the top bosses who cant stand to be out of power.I got your point and that is to seperate the country….never going to happen Bro……

[Reply to this]
freespeech
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:41 pm:
well said bro, these men are so hungry for power they will play any ball game.
they miss that authority that they once hold.

malaika06
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 9:45 pm:
Bring in the Brazilians and some Philipinos. That should go halfway towards solving the stultifying ethnic conundrum

EVILEYES
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 10:30 am:
malaika06 ::::I totally agreed with you on this::::Brazilians &Philippinos….In Guyana::::what awonderful mix…..yea lets get it on…….Love it

DMACK
In reply to the above comment on September 22nd, 2008 5:43 am:
This has nothing to do with ppl who have lost power; Indians and African do not get along period! We have the same problem here in England, we tolerate each other, one supplies and the other consumes, and that all the interaction we have.

ONVERWAGT1
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 1:53 pm:
torbo, your premise on the racial divide in Guyana is very inaccurate,being born and raised in the Berbice area I remembered how integrated the communities were,we were living well amongst each other attending the same schools,playing cricket together even eating from the same pot. sometimes,many Indians were taught skills by Afro- Guyanese e.g.carpentry.The politics of the late 50’s early 60’s and still continues have got us in this racial mess.

[Reply to this]
SHARMA
In reply to the above comment on September 21st, 2008 10:39 am:
TORBO TELL US WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW

[Reply to this]
colt45
on September 19th, 2008 12:49 pm

Why is it that during the 28 years of PNC, there was no demonstration in the streets, storming of the presidential office, freedom of press, and none complained. Was it because Guyana was a land of milk and honey then, or was it because there was no freedom and none dared to oppose the Kabaka.
Remember Rodney, Fr. Darke and many WPA members who died under suspicious circumstances.
Benschop had the audacity to incite treason and was freed by the president and now he is following the trend set by Lewis.

[Reply to this]
Pepie
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 2:29 pm:
Crap again and it is clear this person don’t follow current affair closely but just live for the 60 seconds sound bites.

Mark was never convicted, NEVER. How can he be pardon. This is a dictatorship. You are in jail for five years and the President of Guyana wakes on the right side of this bed one morning after sleeping on the wrong side for five years and decide you have learnt your lesson, then just simply let you go. Does this sounds like Democracy. Also, who told you there weren’t any protest during the time PNC were in power. Have you been reading Uncle Freddie. You mentioned names of people and organisation who protested and lead demonstartion during that same period. Who is feeding you these lies. Is burning of cane fields a form of protest?

I dont’ know why people are still support these two good fuh nothing parties. Colt45 can’t you see you are still trapped in the confusion that started in the 50s. Please let ago we have choices and good choices, just look around.

[Reply to this]
Omkar
on September 19th, 2008 1:05 pm

Kudos to SN for tidying up its journalism quality. In this instance SN ensured it was not definitive.

[Reply to this]
simon harry
on September 19th, 2008 1:24 pm

JOE JOE YOU SEEM TO fORGET THAT IS GUYANA WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HERE I ONLY HOPE YOU STAY IN AMERICA WHERE YU CAN SPEAK YOUR MIND .

[Reply to this]
babydoll
on September 19th, 2008 1:37 pm

Pepie I agree with your comment and I am still trying to understand or should I figure out what is going on in Guyana, racial profiling should not be accepted in Guyana because there is only one race and that is the Human Race and we all should live in harmony, peace and love.

The p.p.p. government is aware of what is taking pplace in Guyana and pretending that they don’t know anything. I observed that the majority of the ministers are Indians and some of them look like they are from la la land. I do not think that some of them have much education. I think that the United Nations should be informed about the situation in Guyana and let them know that actions are not being taken against the threats that people are receiving. A few months ago I was home visiting and when I was leaving I was asked by one of the immigration to leave her a raise, so I said to her why ? She did not respond so I said to myself I do not live there any more and I am working hard here in America to make a great life and I should just give my money away like that, oh no.

[Reply to this]
Scheme Man
on September 19th, 2008 1:46 pm

Mark U looking for attention,u like lincoln lewis,aint nothing fo u ‘ll holla bout so u want attention.

[Reply to this]
bgsbny
on September 19th, 2008 1:51 pm

….. am ,,,, i need to share this,,, somewhere during my planetary ploughing for my carrots that keeps me and my fluffy u know what ! healthy and looking good ,, i read this !……

” order is the sanity of the mind,, the health of the body,, the peace of the city,, the security of the state,, as the beams to a house,,, as the bones to a body,,, so is order to all things ” !…. i remember reading tho,, as if it were yesterday,,,,

Lavater said ” he who has no taste for order,, will be often wrong in his judgment,, and seldom considerate or conscientiousin his actions ” !,,,, so said Lavater,,,,,,

[Reply to this]
borntwice
on September 19th, 2008 2:25 pm

Mark is playing all you bloggers like how Buru Nancy played Buru Tiger.

[Reply to this]
teri
on September 19th, 2008 2:40 pm

Benshop used to hang his mouth where the soup would drop, now the soup isn’t dropping where he wants it to, he is cyring “wolf”, take this from someone with whom we would hang around with in the same crwod in NYC, he is relying on the councilman and people in high places in NYC, WHO SHOULD BE LOOKING OUT FOR RESIDENTS OF NYC.

[Reply to this]
Hugo
on September 19th, 2008 3:05 pm

Hey, there is a plot to have me killed too…but who cares?? My point is: anybody can say anything. His claims as well as Lewis claims cannot be substantiated. Neither can mine, because I did not report it.

[Reply to this]
joe joe
on September 19th, 2008 3:35 pm

Hey not only in Guyana the Phothom lives and operate,what about Roger Khan lawyer that lives and work in one of the world”s largest democracy.
Phothoms lives and work every where in politic,churches,school,office…..you name it they are there.Guyana is full of them.

[Reply to this]
amen-ra
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 8:26 pm:
joe joe america is not the largest democracy, india is the largest democracy, america is a republic.

[Reply to this]
EVILEYES
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 10:17 pm:
Joe Joe is right:::::he said::::one of the world’s largest democracy……one of is not the largest.
Arnold
on September 19th, 2008 4:20 pm

It’s always the cries of those who wants to be a Populist. All over the world you hear them crying of assasination attempt, Price on my head and so on. Its common with all of them to get Sympathy and Fame..

[Reply to this]
Guy Marco
on September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm

It is very sad that Guyana like many other countries in the wrold including US has not passed the Mosaic stage - eye for an eye.
I heard, before leaving to serve my Caribbean children, some saying to the effect as “Now is awe time”.
When 9/11 occured it was as a result of ‘eye for an eye’. The so- called Demoratic America has war-like from the time ‘they ‘came here and killed out the Indians tribes. It is always unfortunate that many innocent lives go with such heartless conflicts.
It made me wonder what really would it take for us as human beings to at least have ‘that’ respect of our lives - especially the innocent ones.
There is evidence that the tribal people of Guyana (can only speak about the Rupununi) has their share of tribal conflicts. I am yet to find out that was the cause for them to put a stop to that back behaviour towards each other - whilst the rest of the seems to continue in the Human Tribal conflict.
I once visited Oriella - in the late 80’s. It was unbelievable to note that two former enemies, according to history books, the Arawaks and Caribs live in one village. One would not notice the difference unless he/she is told. Another I learnt recenly is Arau in the Pakaraimas - Patamunas and Alekunas - I believe.
During the tribal conflicts, according to my late father, many communities and lives were destroyed.
If we continue to behave like this - war-like/hateful - towards each other, not only as human beings, but as so- called educated society then we would never move forward. Instead we will certainly move towards the opposite direction.
I am so saddened of such human behaviour that I can only think of going to the Amazonian jungle - to live with peaceful nature.

[Reply to this]
chief
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 7:04 pm:
Well buddy, let me tell you this, if you go to the ‘amazonian jungle” to live, there will be so many poisoned darts and arrows comming your way, that you will be happy to come back to where you belong faster than usain bolt could run a hundred meter. ha ha ha. Heh heh heh heh heh.

[Reply to this]
Guy Marco
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 1:31 am:
…America has been
…tribal people of guyana ( can…)had their..

[Reply to this]
Guy Marco
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 1:32 am:
Nope!!
GT IN Atlanta
on September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm

Ok some bloggers think that Waddle was promoting violence by saying a prayer for the Buxton gang…ect..ect…ect… and Mark Benschop may have the same MO ..now what do we say about the PPP gov. who is supporting the same or even worse atrocities while like one blogger said (they turn a blind eye) how are these actions justified ….when the citizens are forced to take matters in their own hands because there is no justice for some..don’t get me wrong I am now condoning the Buxton gang or any other criminal elements of any nature, crime does not pay but if the head is affected the whole body suffers sometimes..Look where Oliver Hickson is ……is’nt that a travesty of justice

[Reply to this]
Indifence
on September 19th, 2008 5:01 pm

The comments on this thread seem to indicate that Guyana is a brutal dictatorship: the evidence on the ground belies this point. To the charges of discrimination, I cannot offer any response; I am not about to deny that people experiences discrimination. However, the insinuation that there is a contrived plot concocted to persecute one segment of the society and there is only one segment that suffers from discrimination is farfetched.

The people in this forum internalises their own prejudices and projects this upon vast segments of the population; such gross generalisations does not elevate the content of the discourse, but rather, drags everyone down into a bottomless abyss.

This forum should be used to discuss the issues in pragmatic and very unemotional terms. It affords people to rise about the narrow confines of stereotypes and really project what kind of society we all want Guyana to be. Continuously attacking government as if it is the sole arbiter of the society at large will not solve the ills of the society. Making criminals heroes will not contribute to positive role models for citizenry.

[Reply to this]
kabaka
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 7:55 pm:
Well said!

[Reply to this]
amen-ra
In reply to the above comment on September 19th, 2008 8:34 pm:
i agree with you, you could’nt have said it better my friend.

[Reply to this]
decanadianCarlVeecock
In reply to the above comment on September 20th, 2008 10:47 am:
kabaka and amen-ra ?
You guys for real?
Did you really read what Indefence wrote?

It was an exercise in fatuuous expression!

He did not make ANY REAL POINT

What is this ?..;quote “such gross generalisations does not elevate the content of the discourse, but rather, drags everyone down into a bottomless abyss”

A pure platitudinous statement that anyone could write in any situation, the
moreso when one lacks the ability to make meaningfiul and thoughtful
contributions to the matter at issue.

Guys…reread. Nothing meaningful was said.

[Reply to this]
Theo
on September 19th, 2008 5:55 pm

I guess if de witness them that RK trying to rub out de come forward with complaints of threats to deh lives we woulda say is nancie story too, right?

Some ah we really playin we hard-ears….

Who feels it knows!

[Reply to this]
Arnold
on September 19th, 2008 5:56 pm

———–Price on my Head——–Price on my Head——-Price on my Head———Probably, he wants to be the Barack Obama of Guyana…
Let me remind you that Mr Barack Obama is well cultured, and rose to popularity by his Speeches and Intelligence, not by calling to detrone a legitimate

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