Basse-Pointe

HISTORY of the municipality of BASSE POINTE

Basse-Pointe is known for being one of the municipalities hosting a large Indian population to this day.

But this did not date before the arrival of the colonists on the territory.

Indeed, more than 400 years ago, the island was populated by the Amerindians, better known as the Caribs. In 1492, they saw Europeans disembarking, determined to make their home in these paradisiacal lands.

After many battles with the natives, the colonists managed to drive them away and take possession of the island. They cultivated tobacco and cocoa, which disappeared in favor of sugar cane, giving way to banana cultivation.

The Caribs, on the other hand, found refuge on the neighboring island, Dominica.

The settlers, for their part, quickly realized the wealth that was at their feet.

They decided to use it for profitable purposes: they began farming.

Little by little, they built structures directed by the Church and the military.

In 1680, Basse-Pointe was proclaimed a parish. Four years later, a church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist was inaugurated.

In 1848, slavery was abolished in Martinique !

This milestone was a turning point for the municipality.

In the years that followed, a strong Indian migratory flow was strongly encouraged to meet the need for labor, populating the municipality and enriching it with new customs and traditions. The culinary traditions that were brought in largely contributed to the Caribbean gastronomy of which we are proud, in particular with the “Colombo”, a spicy dish based on curry.

Currently, their descendants still live there and perpetuate the different rhythms such as the “Bondié Cooli”.

Basse-Pointe is also known for the many deadly confrontations that have taken place on its territory.

“Février 74” and “Les 16 de Basse-Pointe”, among others, have marked the history of the island!

These agricultural strikes, triggered by the bad treatment and low wages that workers received at the time, turned into a nightmare due to the clashes between the law enforcement and the protesters.

To this day, the town does not forget them.

Learn more about the 16 affair.

• The “16 of Basse-Pointe” explained on the website of the PKLS Martinique
• “The 16 of Basse-Pointe”, a two-part documentary directed by Camille Mauduech in 2008.

URBANISM

To get to Basse-Pointe, in most cases, just use National 1.

That said, it is not the only possible path!

Indeed, the National 2 and the departmental 10 and 21 allow to reach the town.

As for public transport, the town, a member of Cap Nord, is served by the NA 22 line of the Martinique Transport network.

GEOGRAPHY of this municipality in northern Martinique

Basse-Pointe is a municipality located in the north of the island.

South of this, we find the municipalities of Lorrain and Ajoupa-Bouillon.

The Pelée Mountain, which promises beautiful hikes, serves as its border to the west.

In the north, we find the municipality of Macouba.

Finally, the east is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Basse-Pointe possède une superficie de 27.95 km² et compte 3 357 habitants.

In addition, the mountainous commune enjoys a tropical climate.

POLITICS

A woman at the head of Basse-Pointe!

Indeed, since March 20, 2014, Marie-Thérèse Casimirus has been at the head of the agglomeration

She began her political career 6 years earlier as a municipal councilor, then was elected a departmental councilor of Martinique in 2010.

In 2020, she was elected Vice-President of the Cap Nord agglomeration community.

Since then, she has also been a member of the CTM Executive Board.

But this “Potomitan” woman not only has one string to her bow, she is also a writer !

YOUTH

On the trails of Césaire ! Who has never heard of Aimé Césaire ?

The famous politician, poet and writer is from this fabulous community.

Just like many Pointois currently, he had the chance to go to one of the two primary and nursery schools in the town.

The municipality also has a college, but no high school.

Therefore, students must go to the neighboring municipalities to continue their education.

CULTURE

What to do in Basse-Pointe, day and night ?

Escape into nature

Although Basse-Pointe is a coastal municipality, swimming is not recommended.

That said, the municipality focuses more of its activities around nature and history.

• Hiking
• Surfing
• Bodyboarding
• The Port of Basse-Pointe
• Plantation visit with tasting
• The Bell of the Werewolf
• Hindu Temples
• The Gradis Bridge
• The Biface and Borne 01 sculptures
• Hiking

The history of Basse-Pointe through stone

In terms of architecture, whether religious or cultural monuments, the History of Martinique has left us with footprints of the past.

In the category of religious monuments, located in Basse-Pointe are :

• St. John the Baptist Church

• St. Anthony Chapel

In the museum category, located in Basse-Pointe:

• Habitation Leyritz

• Habitation Chalvet

• L’Habitation Pecoul

• Habitation Moulin L’Etang

Appellation “Historical Monument” or “Heritage of the 20th Century”

Many buildings, including those mentioned above, are protected by the appellations “Historical Monument” or “Heritage of the 20th Century”.

Among these distinctions, there are, among others:

• The Leyritz Habitation

• The Saint Jean-Baptiste Church

IN SUMMARY

Basse-Pointe is a somewhat remote commune from the center of the island, often considered too far by more than one.

Yet, this commune rich in history has been able to highlight its potential, especially in terms of agritourism.

Aware of its strength and concerned about its environmental future, Basse-Pointe invites us to discover with a new perspective, this nature that it has cherished so much, but also its identity and its strength through its history.