The Week-in-Review - March1 to March 7

Black Water Backdam. Emeric Joseph, 26, of Rupertee, Essequibo, was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he was read the charge by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It is alleged that on February 26, at Lime Tree Road, Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, he murdered Benjamin. Joseph was not required to plead to the charge. The court heard that Benjamin and Joseph worked at the same mining operation. The prosecutor said that on the day of the murder, the two men had been at the camp when Joseph asked Benjamin for a gold chain, which he claimed Joseph took from him. The two men got into an argument and Benjamin allegedly picked up a piece of wood and dealt Joseph a blow to one of his arms. Joseph then armed himself with a knife, according to the prosecutor, and stabbed Benjamin to the left side of his chest. As a result, Benjamin died.

Gary Best charged with causing cyclist’s death, DUI: Former army Chief of Staff Gary Best has been granted his release on $500,000 bail after being formally charged with causing the death of cyclist Jude Benjamin by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Best, of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, appeared before two Georgetown Magistrates last Wednesday. He was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, who read the causing death by dangerous driving charge to him. It is alleged that on February 8, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Greater Georgetown, he drove a car, PRR 812, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Bentley. Best was also taken to the traffic court, where he appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse, who read him the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was released on self-bail and was advised to make his next appearance at the court on March 21.