Family, friends of Jude Bentley protest outside Magistrates’ Court

Friends and family of national cyclist Jude Bentley picketed outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court Tuesday calling for charges to be laid against former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Rear Admiral (rtd), Gary Best.

Leading the protest on Monday was Bentley’s cousin, Gary Wiltshire.

Wiltshire said he wants the person responsible for Bentley’s death to be held accountable and face the full brunt of the law.

The 41-year-old national cyclist was tragically killed on the Rupert Craig Highway on February 8 while training when he was struck down by a Land Cruiser driven by Best.

Best was initially taken into custody but was released on $100,000 station bail. He was found to be way above the alcohol limit at the time of the accident

Assistant Commissioner of Police Edgar Thomas told the News Room that the Police investigation was completed and the file is still with the Director of Public Prosecutions awaiting legal advice.

But Bentley’s relatives say they are growing impatient.

“We’re calling for justice, we believe that those are responsible for Jude’s death should be held accountable, if we have to show up here every day until justice is served then we plan on doing that,” Wilshire said.

Bentley was given an emotional farewell on Sunday last. The tributes flowed that afternoon in and around the World Vision New Testament Church of God in David Street, Kitty to celebrate his life and work.

“Jude was a leader, a true leader is a person does the right thing each and every time, when the cameras are looking and when they are not looking, during the day and the dark of the night, justice for Jude,” Wiltshire said.

“We want accountability. If this was a poor man he would be right here [Georgetown Court] today and we want everybody to be treated the same and we will stand up for that, no one is above the law.”

Bentley leaves to mourn his wife and seven children.