Guyana Chronicle
March 28, 2001

CHIEF Justice Desire Bernard yesterday summoned TV talk show host Mark Benschop to her Chambers after word reached her that he (Benschop) had been inciting a mob outside the court by giving them false information about the court case before her.

Before sending for him, the Chief Justice said in open court that she was perturbed over the situation in the country in which a lot of people are protesting about the outcome of the 2001 elections.

She is hearing the legal challenge by the PNC/R to the swearing-in of President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The Chief Justice sent for Benschop after one of the lawyers representing the respondents said he felt that the mob had been acting under instructions from Benschop who it is said shares a common relationship with the PNC/R, the lawyers for the applicant and the protestors.

Benschop allegedly had been telling the gathering that the Chief Justice is going to upturn the elections, giving them the impression that the prerogative writ before the court was tantamount to an election petition and gave the judge the authority to upturn the election results.

When Benschop turned up, the Chief Justice adjourned the court for about 20 minutes during which she invited Benschop to her Chambers for interrogation.

It is not known what transpired in Chambers, but Benschop on his return to the court room, appeared from his countenance to have benefitted from the talks with Ms Bernard.

On returning to the Bench, the Chief Justice pointed out that some people who might not be au fait with the situation and what is going on in court are giving others the wrong information.

She said she trusts that this will not continue.