Black River, while not as 'lively' as most of Jamaica's other capital towns, still has the social amenities for modern living, and is home to offices of numerous government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as several learning institutions.

Among the academic institutions in the town are the Black River High School, a traditional high school that operates on a two-shift system; the Black River Primary School as well as several early-childhood institutions.

The Black River Vocational Training Centre is also another important feature of the town. Located at 30 West Street, the institution offers levels one and two programmes in welding, data operation, electrical installation, general construction and other areas.

Many of Black River's residents are engaged in fishing, tourism and vending, and many travel to other towns such as Santa Cruz to work.

In addition, a large number of residents who were employed to the Alpart Bauxite Company in Nain are suffering from the fallout in the bauxite sector and the company's subsequent closure.

Life in Black River, its residents say, is easy-going, but they contend that the town lacks a nightlife. At sundown on any given day, they say the town comes to a virtual standstill.

For Junior Brown of New Town in Black River, the town of his birth is one of contradictions.

Brown, now in his mid-30s, recently returned to the island after spending more than 20 years in the United States.

"Black River is the best, but also one of the worst places," Brown said. "Everything is here for us. You are not supposed to be hungry because you have a lot of food - a lot of fruits and fish in abundance down here. But the cost of living is high and I don't see any employment opportunities."

He added: "The place lacks something; it lacks money. Better things should be happening. Half of Black River are fishermen. Before I left Jamaica, everybody I knew was catching fish. Right now half of them have boats docked at the riverside and they are trying something else because they do not have a start to fix their boats."

Brown, therefore, wants to see "more hotels built here".

"We want some tourists in the place. To me, this is like virgin territory. Negril and Ocho Rios - dem place deh done," he said.

Entertainment is a major deficiency in the town, according to Alvin Muschette, a fisherman and boat tour operator who says he was "born and bred" in the town.

He is hoping that some "forward-thinking" entrepreneurs will establish places of entertainment in Black River in the near future.

Left: Cheryl Wallace, a dressmaker, who says unemployment woes in Black River could be solved with the establishment of a craft market and and agro-processing plant, especially with the abundance of fruits and vegetables grown in St Elizabeth. Right: Black River resident, Alvin Muschette says there is no nightlife in Black River. He says residents go to Santa Cruz or Barbary Hall or even as far as Savanna-la-Mar and Negril for entertainment. - Photos by Claudia Gardner

The Black River Spa remains unused. The sulphuric spring is said to have powerful healing properties, but residents say it has not been properly taken advantage of.

The town of Black River is famous for its safari boat tours.

A woodcarver sands down one of his carvings near Black River. Residents believe Black River should have a craft market of its own.