Blake's Pharmacy, a recently opened business. - Jolyn Bryan photos

Albion Estate in St Thomas has always experienced water shortages, attributable to the numerous malfunctions of the community's pump house.

But in recent months, residents have found themselves with dry pipes more often than not, and with little warning from the National Water Commission, which is now carrying out repairs in the area.

Despite being touted as the largest estate in the island, outside of Portmore, Albion has been without a community centre or green area since its establishment. The very active Albion Citizens' Association and Neighbourhood Watch regularly sends a delegation to the St Thomas Parish Council's monthly meetings to rectify these issues and address the bad roads, but to date, no measurable progress has been made.

The community has little to offer in the way of jobs, with the clothing, soap and steel factories being shut down, and the aggregate and sand crushers infrequently hiring.

In spite of these set backs, however, residents insist that the area is a wonderful place to live. There are many beautifully made houses throughout the sprawling community, and a main attraction is the house dubbed 'The Castle' by residents, because of its spirals and towers.

"Residents interact well with each other well, but it's (the community) more of a domicile, where people sleep at night and go to work in the morning. It is a peaceful community. We hardly have any crime here," resident, Christopher Davy, said. "Despite the lack of sporting infrastructure, we have football, and that helps to integrate the youths. We try to bring the young people together." Davy, along with several other young men, was instrumental in establishing the Blake Pharmacy Winter Shield Football Competition, that saw teams from Albion and across the Yallahs district competing for the top spot. The players utilise the grounds of the Grants Pen Primary and Infant School in the community, and are grateful to principal Sophia Spaulding for her willingness to host community events.

New businesses in the area, Blake's Pharmacy, HJ Spring Grove Equipment and others, have also brightened Albion Estate, providing some respite to the unemployed. The gas station at the front of the community has also come under new management, and has been giving full support to many endeavours.

Evelyn Regent, a resident since 1983, believes this is the way the community needs to go, with more unity among the people and additional development. Damion Williams, a steel contractor for 18 years, agrees. "Most people leave and go to work in Kingston. Kingston is saturated. The whole of us can't hold there. We need jobs. That's why the young men rub out their hand middle. They don't see anything else to do here," he said.

The churches are also active in the community, and host concerts and socials for the congregation and residents.

Cecile Francis, newly elected president of the citizens' association, believes more is needed from the residents before the community can realise its full potential. The meetings of the association, held every first Sunday, are not well supported, but she has vowed to change that, and ensure that community spirit is rekindled.

Christopher Davy takes part in Labour Day activities, painting the pedestrian crossing that caters to the primary school in Albion.

Proprietor of Wit Wit Ice Cream and Cake Café in Albion, Joy Spence.

Students and teachers at the Sankofa Preparatory and Learning Centre in Albion, St Thomas.