Pastor’s family say they have forgiven his 18-year-old killer

The family of Rev Joel Bhagoutie say that they have forgiven the man responsible for his death.

An 18-year-old driver struck him in a car park two days before Christmas.

58-year-old Bhagoutie of Diamond Village near San Fernando, died at hospital.

Bhagoutie’s son Joel, 20, said: “It will go against what we stand for if we did not forgive him (the driver).”

“Whatever route the justice system takes that’s up to them. Hopefully, justice is served but we would be hypocrites if we did not forgive him. I don’t think it was intentional. He has his whole life ahead of him and we forgive him,” he added.

The younger Bhagoutie admitted that the incident had been painful to endure. The family had planned to attend church for Christmas, return home for lunch and spend time with relatives and friends.