Soufrière Constituency

The Soufrière Constituency is a coastal electoral district in southern Dominica, officially recognised under the Constitution of Dominica as one of the 21 single-member constituencies that elect representatives to the nation’s House of Assembly. Encompassing the communities of Scotts Head, Soufrière and Galion, and in some references, Pointe Michel, this constituency plays a vital role in Dominica’s cultural heritage, eco-tourism sector, and electoral landscape. Its boundaries are defined by the Electoral Boundaries Commission, ensuring alignment with constitutional provisions for fair representation.

Geographic and Cultural Landscape

Nestled between mountainous ridges and the Caribbean Sea, the Soufrière Constituency is known for its volcanic landscape, marine biodiversity, and geothermal activity. The region includes Soufrière Bay, a world-renowned diving location, and Scotts Head Peninsula, which marks the island’s southernmost point. The confluence of warm sulphur springs and coral-rich waters makes the area a haven for eco-tourism.

Culturally, Soufrière and Scotts Head are centres of Kalinago-African heritage and remain rich in music, dance, traditional fishing practices, and community festivals. The annual Morne Plat Pays and the celebration of Fisherman’s Feast and Saint Mark’s Day are notable local events. The area’s historic churches, stone architecture, and trails linking to Morne Plat Pays are part of Dominica’s national identity.

Constitutional and Political Representation

Under the Dominica Constitution, the Soufrière Constituency functions as an electoral unit with representation in Parliament. The seat has seen changes in party control but has largely been held by the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) in recent decades. Representatives from this constituency have held significant positions in national government, underscoring its influence.

List of Parliamentary Representatives

Since its formation, the Soufrière Constituency has been represented in the House of Assembly by the following individuals:

• 1970–1985: Anthony Moise (Dominica Freedom Party)
• 1985–1990: Charles Maynard (Dominica Freedom Party)
• 1990–2000: Sam Martin (Dominica Labour Party)
• 2000–2005: Frederick Baron (Dominica Freedom Party)
• 2005–2016: Ian Pinard (Dominica Labour Party)
• 2016–Present: Denise Charles-Pemberton (Dominica Labour Party)

Denise Charles-Pemberton, the current Parliamentary Representative, has served since winning a by-election in 2016. She is the Minister for Tourism, International Transport, and Maritime Initiatives within the Government of Dominica. Her leadership has emphasised tourism development, sustainable fishing, community revitalisation, and international collaboration through roles such as Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers of Tourism.

Development and Infrastructure

The Soufrière Constituency has benefited from significant infrastructural investment by the Government of Dominica, especially following natural disasters like Hurricane Maria. Ongoing and completed projects include:

• A Health and Wellness Centre in Soufrière
• A hurricane-resilient community center under construction in Gallion
• Plans for a concrete seawall and slipway to assist fisherfolk in Scotts Head
• A commitment to building 16 climate-resilient homes in the Savanne area

These developments align with Dominica’s broader resilience strategy and demonstrate continued public investment in vulnerable but culturally and environmentally critical communities.

Economy and Tourism

The local economy is driven by small-scale fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The community of Scotts Head remains a strategic launch point for marine tours (whale watching) and snorkelling and scuba diving, while Soufrière is a gateway to the geothermal trails of the Morne Plat Pays volcanic complex. Guesthouses, eco-lodges, and dive shops cater to international visitors. The Soufrière-Scotts Head Marine Reserve helps protect the area’s marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable tourism and education.

Anchoring Community and Representation

The Soufrière Constituency, steeped in cultural tradition and natural wonder, holds a unique place among Dominica’s constituencies. Governed through the principles outlined in the Constitution of Dominica and actively shaped by the Government of Dominica, the area has consistently engaged in national development. Through the stewardship of its elected Parliamentary Representatives, Soufrière continues to balance heritage conservation, disaster resilience, and progressive leadership.