Residents of Bailey Hill, a small community in Westmoreland, are both fearful and respectful of their new don.

This may seem like nothing new, but this don is far from ordinary. This community is governed by a 30-something-year-old woman.

The woman, though dubbed the peacekeeper in the community is feared by many and her donship tactics make hot topics.

Although THE WEEKEND STAR did not get the chance to speak with the woman, tales from residents help to paint the picture of a no-nonsense woman who knows no limit in governing her community.

bad like AIDS

"Da woman deh nuh play man, she bad like AIDS ... A she run di place and she nuh tek foolishness from nobody, whether man or woman," one resident, 24-year-old Lion Man, said.

THE WEEKEND STAR heard that the woman was elected to rule the community after her cousin, the former don, lost his battle with cancer almost six months ago.

Since then, she has been making her voice heard, and on a number of occasions has made her presence felt.

According to residents, both men and women have felt her wrath whenever they violate the normal operations.

An action by a resident, such as bringing police attention to the community, is considered a violation.

Consequences for violations vary, but in most cases, they say, beatings and broken limbs are ordered while others are dealt with in rather creative ways or simply told to leave.

"A whole heap a hand and foot broke roun ya man ... Yu nuh hear mi seh she nuh play wid people ... From yu go round di ting yu a go feel it," another resident, Fred, explained. "Yu have man who thief and dem ting deh a dem man deh get broke up ... Other people who might gi likkle trouble wi get some different punishment though ... People get all tie up pon tree and lef whole day ... If a nuh none a dem deh den yu jus affi leave."

These harsh measures, residents agree, are aimed at keeping a peaceful community.

Meanwhile, the Area One police say they have heard about the woman but are yet to come in contact with her.

"Well, we have heard of her but that's as far as it goes ... We really are not interested in any form of don so that's as far as it goes ... As for her trying to keep the peace we have to commend that," Inspector Vernon Hall told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Names changed on request