Lorne Theophilus
Tourism officials on the island have said they are closely monitoring the situation involving the weekend death of British national Roger Pratt, and have called on citizens to condemn acts of violence.
A police report states that the 62-year-old was killed and his wife, Margaret Pratt, injured during an incident aboard a vessel named “Magnetic Attraction” which was docked at the Seaport in Vieux Fort on January 17, 2014.
Police have now confirmed that Pratt died of asphyxia secondary to blunt force trauma.
A press release from the Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) states that the matter will be treated with the greatest degree of urgency and sensitivity.
“As a country, we collectively condemn this random and heinous act of violence. As a people, we have reached out to the family of Roger Pratt at the highest levels with Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, Home Affairs Minister Senator Victor La Corbiniere, Tourism Minister Lorne Theophilus and Director of Tourism Louis Lewis all meeting with the widow of Mr. Pratt; herself a victim of the incident. She remains satisfied with the actions of authorities and law enforcement to date in dealing with the matter,” the release said.
“From the standpoint of law enforcement this remains a very active investigation with Saint Lucia police wasting no time in following up on leads that have resulted in the detention of three persons of interest, all within 48 hours of the incident occurring. Police are expected to lay formal charges against those individuals shortly,” the release added.
It continued; “It is unfortunate when these incidents happen anywhere in the world and we are saddened that one such incident has occurred here in Saint Lucia. As a destination that welcomes thousands of visitors to our shores annually, Saint Lucia takes any incident affecting a visitor very seriously.”
The government has offered condolences to Pratt’s family and has assured its support “in this difficult time.”