THE news in our yesterday’s edition relating to the trail followed by the Guyana Police Force about an involvement of Mark Benschop in their arrest of wanted fugitive Tyrone Rowe, alias ‘Cobra’, is quite disturbing, to say the least.
Engaging in euphemism in describing Benschop as a “social activist”, the other newspapers earlier reported that ‘Cobra’ had contacted him to help in his “surrender” to the police because of fear for his “safety”.
Benschop is neither a lawyer, justice of the peace nor a religious leader. His profile, over the years has largely been, and remains, that of a very controversial political activist.
He is known for his virulent opposition to the administration of President Bharrat Jagdeo, and a thirst for political mischief.
So why would Rowe, who pleads his “innocence” and seemingly anxious to have his day in court, turn to someone like Benschop for “help”? Whatever else he may be, Benschop is certainly NOT known as someone labouring for “peace”.
But he is well remembered for his involvement in the criminal invasion of the Office of the President of Guyana that had resulted in the deaths of two people and destruction to state property.
He was granted a Presidential pardon in 2009, after five years in prison and while awaiting a retrial, on treason charges.
Benschop is also recalled, as reported in our yesterday’s edition, for the recording and subsequent broadcast of the infamous ‘Freedom Fighter’ tape associated with the notorious fugitive, Andrew Douglas, the late escaped prisoner.
It was also reported that investigation is underway in connection with reports of connections linking local and overseas-based political elements in a network to foment criminal disturbances to coincide with the 2011 elections campaign.
The Guyana Police Force certainly have their work cut out as they prepare to maintain the rule of law  in an assured peaceful environment.
It is also relevant to note at this time that Benschop is one of three political activists recently commended by a very egotistical political activist/commentator as being committed to the cause of “freedom and justice”.
The bizarre rationale he advanced would not have amused strong nationalistic/cultural elements across parties and groups.
Perhaps the ‘commentator’ and Benschop have a common agenda in their shared hatred for the government of this nation and enormous egos.
Strange bedfellows? May be. More later!