Crystal Harrison, Staff Reporter

The Mavis Bank Police Station.

Residents of Mavis Bank, St Andrew, a rural farming community about an hour's drive from Kingston, may not have all they need, but enjoy their community to the fullest.

During a tour of the area recently, THE STAR made stops at the early-childhood institution, the Mavis Bank Police Station, several homes, and small businesses.

Children at St Michael's Early Childhood Basic were happy when THE STAR visited. "As you can see, the children here are very friendly and playful. The parents are supportive, however, we need better fencing for the play area and space is also a problem because we are using the church hall," principal Esmieline Price said.

The Anglican institution is the first basic school in the community. "We have a growing population, so right now, we are at 53 children who are being served by three teachers," Price added.

Residents echoed the same sentiments about the issues with road, water and street lights, but crime wasn't among the problems.

Corporal Robert Thomas of the Mavis Bank Police Station said that domestic disputes are a growing concern.

"We have regular community meetings with residents where we discuss with them how to settle conflicts and so on. You mainly find persons reporting domestic disputes and assaults. The main issue here is the road condition, which is terrible, street lighting and water. We have to rely on a tank as there is no piped water," Corporal Thomas said.

Monica Vale said her community needs more development and employment. "Most people don't have a job and the road needs to be fixed. Water is a problem for some persons as well, but the road needs the biggest attention," Vale said.

Aldlin Phinn, 77, has been living in the area for some 12 years. "Living here is all right once you know the operations. There is no crime really. Back in the days, I use to do my farming, but now I have to depend on my children because I have arthritis and high blood pressure," she said.

Shopkeeper Keneisha grabbed our attention with her advertisement about ghetto burgers for sale. She said the sandwich is a hot sell among residents. "The sandwich includes two slices of bread, a frankfurter, cheese and ketchup, and it's done to order. I was born in the community, but sometimes I am in and out. The road is the biggest concern for me and I think we need better transportation," she revealed.

Neville Dixon said that, if he had water, he would be more productive. "Me raise mi little goat dem, I started out with one and now I have nine of them. Di water is my issue because, if right now I did have the water, then I could plant mi cabbage, callaloo and so on," he said.

Pete and son Shawn, farmers, leading their goats from the bush where they were fed.

The Mavis Bank square.

Aldlin Phinn a senior citizen of Mavis Bank, says she loves the community.

A section of one of the bad roads in Mavis Bank. - Jermaine Barnaby photos