Vieille Case Constituency
The Vieille Case Constituency is a northern electoral district in Dominica, located within Saint Andrew Parish. It is composed of the hillside and coastal communities of Vieille Case, Penville, and Thibaud. The area is known for its steep terrain, rich cultural heritage, and strategic political importance. It is most notably the home constituency of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, making it a focal point for national policy rollouts, infrastructure investment, and Labour Party support.
Geographic Boundaries of the Vieille Case Constituency
- North: Bordered by the Dominica Passage (Caribbean Sea), with a coastline stretching from Anse de Mai to just west of Capuchin.
- East: Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean
- South: Separated from Paix Bouche and Bense by inland ridgelines forming the boundary with the Paix Bouche Constituency.
- West: Adjacent to the Cottage Constituency, extending to Morne aux Diables, and skirtting Moore Park.
This boundary layout situates Vieille Case as a geographically distinct zone nestled between Dominica’s rugged coastline and its mountainous interior.
Political Representation
The Vieille Case Constituency has been represented by the following Members of Parliament:
- Michael Douglas (1975–1992) – A key figure in Dominica’s post-independence politics, he served as Minister of Finance, Deputy Prime Minister, and one of the most prominent leaders of the Dominica Labour Party. His tenure focused on rural development and constituency infrastructure.
- [Unknown / Unconfirmed] (1992–1995) – Following Douglas’s death in 1992, public records do not clearly identify who served as MP during the interim. While a by-election may have occurred, no confirmed successor is on record for this period.
- Vernice Idda Bellony (1995–2000) – Representing the United Workers’ Party (UWP), Bellony became the first female MP for the constituency. She had served previously as a Senator (1990–1995) and contributed to education and gender representation in Parliament.
- Roosevelt Skerrit (2000–present) – Currently Dominica’s Prime Minister, Skerrit has held the seat since 2000. His tenure has transformed the constituency through housing, health services, road development, and climate resilience initiatives, especially after Hurricane Maria.
Economy and Development
The constituency’s economy is built on agriculture, fishing, and small-scale tourism. Villagers in Penville and Vieille Case cultivate crops like plantains, dasheen, and bay leaf, while residents of Thibaud are traditionally engaged in fishing. The area has seen modest tourism growth, especially among hikers and eco-tourists visiting natural sites like Bwa Nef Falls, Morne Aux Diables, and panoramic trails like the Segment #12 and Segment #13 of the Waitukubuli National Trail.
Infrastructure upgrades have included:
- The Northern Link Road connects Vieille Case to Penville and Thibaud
- Expansion of the Vieille Case Health Centre
- Social housing through the Housing Recovery Project
- Financial services such as the National Co-Operative Credit Union Ltdlocal branch
- Educational improvements and youth training under national employment programmes
Cultural Identity and Local Governance
Cultural life in the Vieille Case Constituency is rooted in strong Creole traditions, drumming, fishing rituals, and oral storytelling. These customs are actively preserved through village councils and annual community events, especially around Jounen Kwéyòl.
Local governance is facilitated by:
These councils manage community development projects, disaster preparedness, public spaces, and coordination with central government agencies.