A young resident of Auldyar shows an interest in our cameras. In the background is the house of slain Pastor Paul Wallace. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

IF YOU are not from western Jamaica, chances are you've never heard of the small district of Auldyar.

The rustic community, situated in the hills of Westmoreland, just about 11 miles outside of Savanna-la-Mar, is home to a feisty and industrious set of Jamaicans, who believe wholeheartedly in the spirit of community.

humble community

From the look of the small, rickety shacks perched atop the steep mountainside, it is clear that the residents of Auldyar do not enjoy a lifestyle of luxury and affluence, especially when compared to many of their counterparts in upscale sections of the parish.

The community is made up of ordinary blue-collar folk, farmers, carpenters, masons, day labourers and domestic helpers - all who take pleasure in the work of their hands.

The roads in the area have been reduced to nothing but dirt tracks. There is no piped water in the homes, hardly any gas stoves, no modern, fancy bathrooms or kitchens.

But this modest living has in no way doused the spirit of the 'Westmorelanders', whose pride is evident even in the most menial of tasks.

The joy and freedom of the people of the area is evident in the smiles and laughter of the community children, who run around barefooted and happy, seemingly free of all care and worry.

"We are a proud, hard-working group of people," Veronica Myrie told The Sunday Gleaner. "We might not have money and big house, but we nuh poor, cause we rich in love and unity," she said with much joy.

Myrie has been a resident of Auldyar all her life, which is more than 40 years. She says the people of the community are very close, almost living as a large, extended family.

"We live loving and we help out each other any way we can."

taking to the streets

This apparent unity and togetherness came to light recently as the community was plunged into mourning after the residents woke up to news of the fatal shooting of Pastor Paul Wallace, a popular man of God from the area.

The residents took to the streets in protest of what they claimed was the murder of an innocent member of their community.

"Is the first time something like this a happen in Auldyar, because we are a quiet and peaceful community. Everybody know everybody and we nuh get inna trouble," she said.

"When police a patrol Bluefields and them areas deh them just drive through Auldyar 'cause dem know nuh criminals nuh up here," added Myrie.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com