Former Senior Guyana Defence Force Official Appears In Court

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, March 4, 2020 (CMC) – Former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Gary Best, will re-appear in court on March 21, after he was charged with causing the death of cyclist, Jude Bentley, by dangerous driving and allegedly driving under the influence, last month.

Best, who appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty, today, was released on a total of GUY$500,000 bail.

The prosecution alleges that on February 8, he drove his vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Bentley.

The prosecution had objected to Best being granted bail after the charge was read, telling the magistrate that, based on the prevalence of the offence, the penalty it attracts and the results of a breathalyzer test, which showed that Best had been over the legal limit at the time of the incident, it was objecting to Best being released on bail.

However attorney, Nigel Hughes, successfully argued that Best had been a member of the GDF for over 34 years and had been a presidential adviser at the time of the incident.