Social activist Mark Benschop has fiercely criticised President Irfaan Ali’s latest political maneuvers, particularly the distribution of black chickens in Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara. Benschop blasted the move as a thinly veiled attempt to buy votes ahead of the upcoming elections, contrasting the gesture with the government’s ongoing neglect of opposition strongholds during its time in power.
The PPP, which has long economically marginalised Opposition communities, is now scrambling to pour resources into these areas—many of which were previously starved of assistance, Benschop said. He accused the government of implementing reactionary policies with no clear development plan. “This scattershot approach to governance is nothing more than a cover for the real goal: using taxpayers’ money to secure votes and create more opportunities for corruption,” Benschop remarked.
Benschop also pointed out that the 400 black chickens given to residents were not immunised, further questioning the PPP’s intentions. He argued that such gestures were superficial distractions aimed at fooling the electorate, while the real needs of the community remain unaddressed. “The chickens are just a way to distract people and buy votes, without any regard for long-term solutions,” he said.
The activist went on to criticise the government’s failure to deliver on key promises, including the $100,000 cash grant, which many citizens are still waiting for. Despite promises that the grant would be distributed by December 31, 2024, large portions of the population have not received their grant.
Benschop also condemned the government for prioritising superficial activities, such as alcohol distribution, over genuine economic development. “Instead of focusing on real issues, they’re encouraging jollification,” he said. “This is not about progress—it’s about manipulation.”
The black chickens, Benschop predicted, will become just another failed project, like the earlier black belly sheep venture. He decried the lack of serious development initiatives, pointing to the irony that in one of the wealthiest economies in the world, citizens are left to rely on handouts like black chickens and black belly sheep while dealing with frequent power outages and economic stagnation. “This is not governance—this is a kakabelly-fish operation,” he stated.
Benschop also took aim at the government’s handling of the December 2023 helicopter crash that killed five soldiers. Despite promises last month from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to release the findings, the government has yet to reveal critical information, including the contents of the black box. “This lack of transparency is yet another example of this regime’s failure to take responsibility,” Benschop concluded.
In the end, Benschop’s remarks painted a damning picture of a government more focused on short-term political gains than on genuine development or accountability.