Former national cyclist and well-known biker Jude Bentley was killed early yesterday morning after he was struck while cycling along Clive Lloyd Drive by a vehicle driven by former army Chief-of-Staff Gary Best, who police say later failed a breathalyser test.
Up to press time last evening, Best, a retired Rear Admiral, remained in custody.
The accident occurred around 4.30 am in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy turn as Bentley, 41, of Lot 33 Robb Street, Georgetown, was on his way to meet a group of cyclists for training. Best, who was driving an SUV, #PRR 8182, was proceeding in the same direction.
In a statement issued last night, the police, who did not name Best, but identified him as a 61-year-old resident of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, said he disclosed that he was proceeding east along the southern lane. He alleged that the cyclist suddenly appeared in front of him and that he applied brakes and the right side front of his vehicle collided with the cyclist, who fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries.
After the impact, the vehicle collided with a lamp pole on the southern side of the road.
The police said Bentley was pronounced dead at the accident scene, while Best, who failed a breathalyser test, was in custody assisting with the investigation.
Earlier, Divisional Commander Edgar Thomas explained to Sunday Stabroek that the police were being provided with different accounts of what transpired. As a result, he said ranks were up to yesterday afternoon pursuing all angles in an effort to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.
Thomas confirmed that Best was taken into custody after the accident and that he remained in police custody up to yesterday afternoon. He also noted that that Best complained of feeling unwell and efforts were being made to allow him to seek medical attention if he desired.
Sources told this newspaper that at the time of the accident Best was heading home after leaving a city night spot. He reportedly told the police at the scene that he did not see Bentley since he was not wearing any reflectors and had no lights. However, Bentley’s relatives have since denied his claim, while noting that he was “fully geared”.
Best said he tried to avoid hitting Bentley but still came into contact with the bicycle. Bentley was dragged several feet away from the point of impact before the vehicle came to halt. His mangled bicycle was left in the middle of the road.
Residents recalled hearing a loud “screeching” sound. Upon checking, they said they learnt of the accident.
It was unclear if there were any nearby surveillance cameras which might have captured the accident. However, in a photograph seen by this newspaper, a dash cam was seen in Best’s vehicle.
Justice
Relatives and friends of Bentley said they would leave no stones unturned in their quest for justice.
Bentley’s partner, Fonah McWatt, said he was always very cautious and would often be the only one in his group that wore safety gear while riding. “He was riding in his uniform with lights, helmet, everything,” she told Sunday Stabroek.
McWatt, who said she tried to speak to Best at the scene, was at the time hopeful that a breathalyser would be administered. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, if he is going to be charged or what, but someone has died as a result of his driving,” she added.
She said she last spoke with Bentley on Friday evening and they were planning to spend time together with his two sons.
In wake of the accident, a crowd gathered at the scene as the news of Bentley’s death spread. Fellow bikers who knew Bentley were among the many still present at the scene hours after. “It’s going to hit the cycling fraternity really hard,” McWatt said, while noting the need for justice.
Meanwhile, John Bennett, a longtime friend and colleague of Bentley, told Sunday Stabroek that he was hoping that the matter doesn’t get “sweep under the carpet” and that justice will prevail.
“Mr Best probably didn’t see or whatever but at the end of the day a life was lost and can’t be regained,” Bennett said. “But we can put things together for the future…,” he added.
He said he hoped that Best will reach out to Bentley’s family in the future and show some remorse or even render support to his children, who are still in school.
Another friend, who wished not to be named, called for justice, while saying that the law is for everybody.
Bentley is said to have helped many throughout his life. He supported children in their academic journeys and provided bicycles for many for various reasons at no cost.
“…When I go to the man fah fix me bike and if me ain’t got money, he does look after my bike. So I concern. I hurt about it. If he get knock down, I mean me ain’t give he life but justice must prevail. We gah get justice,” one of his friends said.
Bentley operated a bike shop on Robb Street. He was the sole breadwinner of his household.
His friends planned to gather at the bike shop this morning at 7.30 am for a solidarity and justice ride.
