Innis Francis
A man who dedicated his life to God, family and the community had his own life cut short when he was struck and killed by a car on his way to get a meal on Friday.
Reverend Joel Bhagoutie, 59, of Picton Street, Diamond Village, San Fernando, had just finished doing charity work and went to buy BBQ from his usual spot, A&E BBQ at SS Erin Road, Debe, around 8 pm when a white Toyota Fielder motorcar driven by an 18-year-old man turned into the car part and struck him. He was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital but died while being treated.
On Saturday villagers offered condolences to the family. Residents said his death was a great loss to the community.
Bhagoutie was the General Superintendent of the T&T Pentecostal Assembly and served at the Diamond Evangelistic Center.
Bhagoutie’s son, Joel Bhagoutie, 20, said, “They went to pray for some people in Barrackpore, and it was kinda hectic, so she didn’t cook dinner, so we were going to get something to eat. My brother and mom were there and that is when somewhere in the car park he was hit by the vehicle at A&E BBQ in Debe, it was a familiar place to him.
"The plan on Christmas Day was to go to church and come home and have Christmas lunch. Church cancelled out of respect for him. Everyone is distorted, it was unexpected, and he was healthy and strong. He exercised, he did his very best, and he was a great father and husband. I have never seen a couple as perfect as him and my mother. He was my role model. Everybody is in mourning, especially my mom.”
The younger Bhagoutie said that based on their strict religious upbringing and lifestyle, they found comfort in forgiving the driver.
Reverend Joel Bhaghoutie and his wife, Pastor Dewrena Bhagoutie, in happier times.
“To the driver, we would go against what we stand for if we did not forgive him. 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, but it is painful for us to endure. He (the driver) has his whole life ahead of him, and we forgive him. It would be hard to move on in the morning, dad won’t be there, and no more messages coming on my phone,” he said.
He said last August he also lost his 83-year-old grandfather to COVID.
Community friend Dustar Dythe said she would remember Bhagoutie as a community leader. She said he wanted to get the church youth group up and running following COVID to help young people get off the street.
She urged drivers to be more vigilant on the nation's roads.
Corporal St John and PC Hanuman visited the scene and investigations are ongoing.