Murdered British yachtsman buried in St Lucia

CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC) – St Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony Monday led mourners in paying their final respects to the British yachtsman, Roger Pratt, who was murdered on the Caribbean island earlier this month.

The 62-year-old Briton was attacked on his yacht in the southern port of Vieux Fort on January 17. His wife, Margaret, was injured during the incident.

Four men are due to re-appear in court next month on charges of murdering the British national.

A private service was held here for Pratt and was attended by his wife, friends and family members, government officials and representatives of the yachting sector.

A government statement said that Pratt had died of asphyxia secondary to blunt force trauma during the attack

“Mrs Pratt is indeed pleased with the speed with which the investigation has been brought to this stage, and with the treatment she has received up until and since the unfortunate incident.

“We are hoping that we can see this through its finality, and we can continue to maintain good relationship not only with Mrs Pratt but with other visitors to our shores,” said Tourism Minister Lorne Theophilius.