Castle Bruce Constituency

The Castle Bruce Constituency is one of the 21 Constituencies in Dominica, located along the country’s eastern seaboard. It is of political and cultural significance. It includes the communities of Castle Bruce, San Sauveur, Good Hope, and Petite Soufrière and has long been a stronghold of political activism and rural resilience. Its representative since the 2019 general election is Octavia Alfred of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), who also serves as Minister for Education.

Geographic and Legal Boundaries of the Castle Bruce Constituency

Constitutionally defined, the Castle Bruce Constituency spans rugged highlands, forested river basins, and coastal plains. Its northern boundary runs from the intersection of the Eastern Boundary of Saint Joseph Parish and the Pont Casse–Hatton Garden Road at D’Leau Gommier, then follows a straight line to the most westerly source of the Madjini River, tracing it to its estuary at Raymond Bay. The eastern boundary is marked by the Atlantic Ocean, which provides the coastline defining the constituency’s maritime edge.

To the south, the boundary begins at the Rosalie River estuary, following its northern branch to a point on the Pont Casse–Rosalie Road west of Freeport. From there, a line extends to the Sourischol River, then southwest to the Brown’s River, following its source to a juncture with the Pont Casse–Castle Bruce Road. The western boundary reconnects at this point and travels directly to D’Leau Gommier. These precise delineations are crucial in electoral processes, ensuring clear jurisdictional demarcation.

Electoral History and Representation

Castle Bruce has experienced dynamic political shifts since its inception. It has been represented by members of both the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP). Notable parliamentary representatives include:

• 1975–1980: Romanus Bannis (DLP)
• 1980–1985: Oliver A. Sanderson (DFP)
• 1985–1990: Eden Durand (DLP)
• 1990–2000: Romanus Bannis (UWP)
• 2000–2005: Loreen Bannis-Roberts (UWP)
• 2005–2009: Loreen Bannis-Roberts (DLP)
• 2009–2019: Johnson Drigo (DLP)
• 2019–Present: Octavia Alfred (DLP)

Octavia Alfred won the seat in the 2019 general election, defeating United Workers Party candidate Ernie Lawrence Jno Finn by a narrow margin of 842 votes to 808. The close result reflected strong engagement among the constituency’s 2,850 registered voters, with 1,650 ballots cast.

Community Life, Infrastructure, and Culture

Castle Bruce is the largest settlement and the administrative heart of the constituency. Its economy is based on subsistence farming, small-scale fishing, and remittances. Public services include the Castle Bruce Secondary School and Castle Bruce Primary School, Castle Bruce Health Centre, Castle Bruce Playing Field and local branches of national institutions like the Castle Bruce Village Council. The Castle Bruce Co-Operative Credit Union supports local economic activity through loans and savings services.

Dominica’s culture reflects its Creole heritage, with strong traditions in storytelling, music, and Catholic religious celebrations. Villages like Good Hope and San Sauveur maintain tight-knit, family-based communities and retain elements of traditional rural life.

Economic and Development Outlook

Development projects in the constituency have focused on road rehabilitation, water supply stabilisation, and housing repair, particularly following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Castle Bruce is also featured in initiatives like the China-Aid Project of Schools Reconstruction in Dominica, which helps to rebuild and upgrade critical educational infrastructure.

With its blend of political engagement, natural beauty, and community resilience, the Castle Bruce Constituency remains a cornerstone of Dominica’s eastern region.