The sign welcoming people to Surprise in Manchester, once vibrant in colour, is now pale, unkempt and in need of restoration.

The community square where most of the dance sessions and parties are held.

Students pose for the camera.

These students are all smiles. - Tamara Bailey photos

If you ever happen to be travelling down from Mandeville to deep rural south Manchester, the names of communities get more and more amusing as the drive lengthens.

Fifteen minutes into the drive you are bound to happen upon a 'Surprise', and no, it won't be a gift for you to take home but an interestingly packaged group of people with warm hearts and a readiness to have fun.

No one truly knows how the community of Suprise got its name. There are several stories surrounding the name but all the stories somehow have in common the allegation that the discovery was indeed a surprise.

Similar to many other rural areas where those who have furthered their education have migrated in search for greener pastures, there are a few young professionals and small business owners among the residents, but a majority of the population comprise primary, high- school and college students, skilled and unskilled labourers and farmers.

"This community has great potential," one resident said, "but we lack the proper resources to do anything about our current situation. We would like an upliftment but dat nuh seem fi a happen now."

Similar to many rural districts, surprise suffers from underdevelopment and a need for several facilities all communities should have. "We would like a clinic, a library, a community centre and/or a complex where we can go have our events and/ or where we can go chill on a Sunday or so," exclaimed a resident.

The community uses as a means of entertainment several dance sessions and drink-out parties put on by the shops in around the area. The schools and adjoining churches in the area are the only other sources providing platforms for entertainment and activities for community participation.

"I remember days gone by when we had our cricket team and football team who would go out and play matches against other communities. now that has changed; we still have our football matches now and again, and even recently we concluded one of the best matches roun' town, but we just need some more help fi mek di ting official. We need help, man, a lot more help, cuz when we have these tings it keeps peace in the communities and ban di violence. We need some netball matches for the girls now," said long-time resident Dave Witter.

With supportive community members, with a willingness to work, the rural district hopes that brighter days will come and there will be a transformation in the community's appearance and the resources needed will become available.