Mahaut Constituency

Mahaut Constituency is one of the 21 electoral constituencies established under the laws of the Constitution of the Government of Dominica. It plays a vital role in the democratic process by electing one Parliamentary Representative to the House of Assembly. This constituency lies along Dominica’s central western coastline, strategically positioned between the capital region and interior highlands, combining coastal access with significant upland communities.

Geographic Boundaries and Communities

Mahaut Constituency includes the communities of Mahaut, Canefield, Checkhall, Campbell, Roger, Springfield, Tarreau, Warner and Massacre, each contributing distinct cultural and residential character. These areas stretch from the outskirts of Roseau to the edges of the Layou Valley, crossing a mixture of coastal plains and river valleys, including sections of the Canefield River and Massacre River.

The constituency is an integral part of the national infrastructure network. It includes the Canefield Industrial Estate, the AID Bank Industrial Estate, the Canefield Airport, and vital segments of the Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway—Dominica’s central west coast thoroughfare. Mahaut’s combination of residential, industrial, and transportation hubs makes it one of the country’s most economically active and transit-connected constituencies.

Political Representation of the Mahaut Constituency

Historically, the Mahaut Constituency has been a stronghold of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) in recent elections. It is currently represented by Rayburn Blackmoore, a senior Cabinet Minister who has held various portfolios, including National Security, Justice, and Public Works. Blackmoore’s leadership reflects a trend of continuity and loyalty to the DLP and a focus on security reform, road upgrades, and industrial development in the area.

Over the years, the constituency has witnessed investments in housing, road infrastructure, and employment initiatives tied to government programmes and regional funding schemes such as those supported by the European Development Fund.

Historical, Cultural, and Socioeconomic Profile

The village of Massacre bears a deep historical significance. It is named after the tragic 1674 massacre of the Kalinago people by French settlers—an event etched into the island’s colonial memory. Mahaut is a traditional farming and fishing village growing with small businesses and housing developments. Canefield, one of Dominica’s larger communities, is known for its industrial zone and historic estate lands, once central to the island’s agricultural exports.

Small-scale manufacturing, access to services in Roseau, and continued migration from interior villages make Mahaut a rapidly evolving suburban constituency with increasing demands for housing, education, and public transport systems.

Electoral Significance and Development Outlook

As Dominica continues modernising its infrastructure and pursuing resilience initiatives, the Mahaut Constituency remains central to national planning. Its blend of residential population, commerce, industrial activity, and cultural depth makes it a key area for electoral strategy, resource allocation, and long-term urban expansion.