Dear Editor
WE all mourn the death of national cycling great, Jude Bentley, who died on February 8, 2020, following a tragic road accident. His sudden, unfortunate demise is painful for his family, friends and the cycling fraternity. Jude Bentley was a remarkable young man; a hero, an exceptional athlete and role model extraordinaire. His death has left a devastating void in our youth society. Our nation collectively mourns.

My own dad was tragically killed in a horrendous accident on the West Demerara highway. I had just arrived home in Guyana to visit my family when tragedy struck and I had the misfortune of visiting the accident scene. I witnessed parts of my dad’s body scattered across the vehicle and about the roadway – his torso separated from his head and legs. It was the worst day of my life.

Personally, I know that no matter the volume or how profound, words will not assuage the crescendo of pain tragic death brings. I identify closely with the suffering of this family. I know what it feels like to lose a loved one to such tragedy. I know nothing can comfort you but hope — that blessed assurance that when you’ve sunk to the lowest valley, you’re not alone. Jesus is walking with you to see you through.

I extend sincere condolences to Jude’s family. I pray that Almighty God will grant you the strength and serenity to overcome this period of bereavement. Through it all, trust him. He will walk with you to the end, until joy comes in the morning.

Tragedy beckons no one. In a moment’s time and without notice it can bring our world to a halt. It happens to the best of us. I often wonder why do bad things happen to good people? On February 8, a bad thing happened to two good people. Nothing can compensate for, or compare to, the loss of life.  It is incomparable. Nevertheless, we must face the profound reality that this ordeal feels unbearable, precisely because it has impacted the lives of two people. It’s a double tragedy.

The other party in this tragedy, former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Rear Admiral Gary Best, has also met with tragedy. Unfortunately, a life has been lost. This is a terrible reality to confront. I will eschew judgement or attempts to litigate allegations and conjecture about this matter. Such function is the mandate of law enforcement and the judiciary. The indisputable fact, however, is that a life has been lost and all of us must give full support to Jude Bentley’s family.

This incident has devastated Gary Best as well. He too grieves for the loss of Jude Bentley. He has taken full responsibility for his action. He wants no one to make excuses for him. Certainly, I do not seek to defend him. That’s the responsibility of his attorneys. What I can say, however, is the Gary Best I know is a decent family man with a distinguished record of service to our country. He’s not reckless, nor evades responsibility. He’s humble, caring and always cautious. He’s responsible, exercises good judgment and is uniquely disciplined — a man of impeccable integrity. My knowledge of him, as expressed above, in no way exculpates culpability or contests any fact, established or presumed, in this matter. It emphasises that amidst all of these attributes, there’s a tragedy and poignant reminder of the fragility and uncertainty of life.

The investigation is ongoing. It must be fair and thorough and executed with fidelity to the law and conformity to police regulation. Fundamental fairness and best professional practices are imperatives for full justice. Consequently, it is prudent to await the full set facts, rather than speculate. Paramount must be the desires and interests of the grieving family.
The sensationalising and politicisation of Jude Bentley’s death is reprehensible. Those who engage in this conduct must be denounced. Unfortunately, the traffic chief’s selective, salacious and prejudicial leaks, before concluding the investigation, were inimical to the justice we all seek. They helped exacerbate the palpable angsts, and enabled further politicisation of this tragedy. Hopefully, as this case moves forward, it will be handled with the professional integrity befitting this moment of national challenge. Rest In Peace Jude Bentley. May your legacy of a bright light of hope for our youth live on forever!
Regards
Rickford Burke
President
Caribbean-Guyana Institute for Democracy (C-GID)