Dame Mary Eugenia Charles Blvd, Roseau

Dame Mary Eugenia Charles Boulevard, also known as Roseau Bayfront, is a cherished waterfront promenade in the heart of Roseau. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when Dominica was a French colony and the area served as a bustling port for trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Following British colonization in the late 1700s, the Bayfront continued to thrive as a vital commercial center. Over the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area underwent significant transformations, including the construction of a seawall in the late 1800s. This development facilitated the creation of a scenic promenade along the waterfront, originally named after Queen Victoria, reflecting the enduring ties to the British monarchy.

In 1974, the boulevard was renamed Dame Mary Eugenia Charles Boulevard in honor of Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, Dominica’s first female Prime Minister. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding the country to independence from Britain in 1978, and she is celebrated as a national hero.

Today, the boulevard remains a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors. Its picturesque setting along the Caribbean Sea attracts people for leisurely walks, while a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops line the promenade, offering dining, socializing, and shopping opportunities. Despite sustaining damage during Hurricane Maria in 2017, ongoing restoration efforts have preserved its appeal, maintaining Roseau Bayfront as a central and lively part of the city.