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ST MARY, JAMAICA – A weekend bike ride turned tragic after the lifeless body of a missing motorcyclist was discovered in a ditch in Bottom Bay, Annotto Bay, on Sunday.
The deceased has been identified as Ronaldo Blackwood, otherwise called ‘Chico’, a labourer with addresses in Highgate, St Mary and Above Rocks, St Catherine.
According to police reports, Blackwood was among a group of bikers who had left a party in Annotto Bay and were en route to Above Rocks early Sunday morning. Around 4:00 a.m., the group realized that Blackwood was no longer with them and began a search. Their efforts, however, were initially unsuccessful.
Concerned, Blackwood’s family—including his mother—joined the search alongside officers from the Annotto Bay Police Station. Their search led to a heartbreaking discovery: Blackwood’s black Jamco motorcycle and his body were found in a ditch along the route.
The Annotto Bay Police are actively investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
OUR OPINION:
This tragic loss highlights a recurring issue in rural areas—poor road infrastructure and lack of proper lighting. While the circumstances of Blackwood’s death are still under investigation, the reality is that too many roads in Jamaica pose serious risks, especially for bikers traveling at night. Greater investment in road safety, better signage, and community education are urgently needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.