Family mourns landscaper killed in hit-and-run
The impact of road crashes continues to shatter families across Jamaica. As of May 30, a total of 155 lives have been lost to road crashes. Among them is 59-year-old Balford Green, a Trelawny man who died after being struck by a motor vehicle on March 31.
Green's family and friends gathered at the Abundant Life Ministry Church in Green Park, Trelawny, last Sunday to celebrate his life.
Affectionately known as 'Louie,' Green's death has left a painful void in the hearts of his loved ones and a sobering reminder of the human toll of road crashes.
"It hit I hard and all now it is like a dream. He was such a loving husband for the 27 years of marriage. He cared for his family. The last of his four daughters is planning to go to university September to become a doctor. Louie worked hard to see his children succeed," his wife, Winsome, shared tearfully.
Throughout the service, seven tributes painted a vivid portrait of a man known for his kindness, humility, and dedication to others. Long-time friend Ann Haslam remembered Louie as a quiet hero in her life.
"He was a stalwart of a friend. ...A shoulder to lean on. ..He was kind and gave his help without you asking. I had a foot problem and couldn't walk fast. Louie would go to the bus and secure a seat for me. Once I arrived, he would get up and go to his bus because we lived in separate districts," she recalled.
Green worked as a landscaper at two hotels and extended that same passion to the grounds of the Abundant Life Ministry Church, where he had been a member for 13 years. Pastor Charleen Hines highlighted his devotion:
"The lawn was always well manicured. No tree was cut down. You would see him enjoying his duty as he drove the tractor mower around the property," she said.
During the eulogy, daughter Monae Peters described her father as a loving family man, a brother, and a faithful Christian.
"Our father loved his siblings. If you touched them, he was ready to defend. As a father, he was loving and caring. We were never hungry. Our mother worked overseas and he would bathe us and send us to school," she said.
She continued: "He never swore and was always prepared for service on a Sunday. His Bible was his constant companion. The love and attention he gave our mother left nothing to be desired."
Louie is survived by his wife Winsome, mother Iris, four daughters, and seven grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent Ainsley McCarty, head of the Trelawny police, confirmed that Green is among 10 road fatalities recorded in the parish so far this year.
Green was struck and killed on March 31 around 7:30 p.m. while walking along a dimly lit stretch of road between Green Park and Hammersmith. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene but later turned himself in at the Falmouth Police Station. He has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
According to statistics published by the Island Traffic Authority, 33 of the 155 road fatalities since the start of the year are pedestrians. Vulnerable road users -- pedestrians, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists and pillion) -- account for 61 per cent of fatalities since the start of the year