A section of the parish tank which residents are beckoning to be covered in Portsea, St Elizabeth. - Ian Allen

From left: Chrishane Cummings, Nicoy, Tevin Miller and Ryan Gallimore busy enjoying a game of cards in Portsea, St Elizabeth.

THE STAR ventured to the western end of the island and visited the quiet community of Portsea in southeast St Elizabeth.

While touring the quaint farming community, THE STAR observed numerous rectangular concrete structures in almost all the homes. To our surprise, according to residents, the structures are used to store water.

"We have serious water problems, so we build these tanks to store water, they are stronger and hold more than the black tanks," 61-year-old Jenny Morgan, who has been living in the community all her life, told THE STAR.

According to Morgan, the concrete tanks, though a vital asset to households in the area, are not cheap. "It's costly, have to buy cement, steel, block and pay workmen, but the cost is dependent on the size, some residents pay around $10,000 to full their tank; mine costs more because of how big it is."

Morgan shared that her tank holds over 20,000 gallons, and residents joked, calling her tank a 'reservoir', due to its massive storage capabilities.

While continuing our expedition, we saw a farmer who appeared to be fresh off his farm and he took the opportunity to share his grouse.

"We as small farmers need help! The bigger heads nah look out fi we the real farmers, we want them come help, it difficult when we want money fi borrow, some of us don't have title to land and when we want loan from bank is problems," a very passionate 62-year-old Keith Simpson, who has been a farmer for some 30 years, shared. "Ministry send out field officers, but they only visit those whose house yuh kyah see di roof top!"

Along with Simpson's concerns, resident shared other issues that they have with their community.

"The parish tank needs covering, it's very dangerous, because when it rains and it becomes full, children and people from the area swim in it," a resident expressed.

Another stated the need for more street lights to be erected throughout the community, and the desire to possess amenities such as cable. Another resident stated, "Most people want piped water from the main, but they have to be depending on catchment."

But despite their concerns, the residents unanimously agreed that Portsea is virtually crime free and is home to some of the most loving people.

"Feels safe around here, no robbery, nuttin nuh gwaan roun yah suh, can walk road any time at night," 17-year-old Nicoy told THE STAR.

While 47-year-old Michael Lyn, who has been living in the comm-unity for two years, told THE STAR, "I like the attitude of people towards each other, people are courteous and look out for each other and we live good."

Another resident went as far as vowing never to leave the comm-unity, because life there is 'sweet.'

"Naw leave sweet sweet Portsea! Roun' here nice and cool, town have to much crime, not even argue yuh nuh hear people a argue roun' here," 19-year-old Chrishane Cumming expressed.

An old man sits on his verandah.

A broken down house in Portsea, St Elizabeth.

An abandoned shop covered by wasp nests in Portsea, St Elizabeth.