Anse De Mai

Anse De Mai is a small coastal village situated on the northeast coast of Dominica, nestled between Anse Soldat and Bense in Saint Andrew Parish. With direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, Anse De Mai forms part of a trio of neighboring communities administered by the Bense / Anse De Mai / Anse Soldat Village Council, reflecting a unified approach to local governance and development planning.

Geographic Setting and Natural Features of Anse De Mai

Anse De Mai lies near several geographic and hydrologic features. The Melville Hall – Portsmouth Road, a vital transport artery, connects the village to Bense in the south and stretches westward across the Blenheim River toward the broader road network. To the north, Anse De Mai opens into Anse du Mé, a tranquil cove that blends into the larger Anse Soldat bay area. Just offshore lie Wombatî Bay and Chuval Blanc Point, coastal points that define the region’s marine geography.

Several rivers flow through the surrounding area, including the Toritê River, Blenheim River, and Whitefend River, supporting agricultural activities and sustaining freshwater ecosystems. Much of the inland zone around Anse De Mai and Bense is forested, marked by valleys such as Piton de Fort and areas like Toritê, which contribute to the region’s lush, green character.

Community and Economy

The population of Anse De Mai remains relatively small, with most residents engaged in traditional livelihoods like coastal fishing, small-scale farming, and craft work. Coconut harvesting, breadfruit farming, and ground provisions such as dasheen and tannia are staples of the local agricultural economy.

Shared governance under the Bense / Anse De Mai / Anse Soldat Village Council has allowed these communities to coordinate improvements in infrastructure and social services, especially around water access, road maintenance, and disaster preparedness. The nearby health and education services in Bense and Hampstead also provide critical support to residents of Anse De Mai.

Religious and cultural life in Anse De Mai centers on its chapel and village gatherings, often coordinated with the neighboring villages. The road from Anse De Mai to Bense is a winding but vital route, traversing ridgelines and rivers, with views of both the forested interior and the Atlantic coast.