Le Lamentin

History of the municipality LE LAMENTIN

The history of the town of Lamentin

Originally, the town of Lamentin was used as an agricultural area. Sugarcane was grown in the plain, and coffee and tobacco were cultivated in the highlands. In 1790, the town experienced a “civil war” between the new troops sent by the son of King Louis XVI and both free and enslaved people, mulattoes, and some free whites who did not accept the new living conditions imposed on them.

Despite being outnumbered and less well-armed than the troops from France based in Saint-Pierre, the rebels had to use a lot of cunning.

Knowing their land by heart, they hid and waited for the troops of Marshal Dugommier.

Once they arrived, the rebels surprised them with an attack.

Outnumbered and disoriented, the soldiers were forced to turn back.

A few months later, tensions on the island eased following new arrangements made by the government.

Dubbed “the battle of the mahogany,” it remained in memory as one of the few successes of the Martinicans against the colonizers.

URBANISME

Lamentin, a highly urbanized town

Lamentin is part of the central metropolitan community: the CACEM.

The town is crossed by the island’s only highway, which runs from Fort-de-France to Ducos.

Among its main roads are also National Highways 1, 4, and 2006.

Next come the Departmental Roads 3, 3A, 3B, 13, 14, 14A, 15, 27, and 28.

In addition, the town and its neighborhoods are served by the public transport service Martinique Transport.

The town also hosts the two bus terminal stations of the high-level service bus, commonly called the “TCSP,” which connects the city center of Fort-de-France to Mahault or Carrère.

From these terminals, travelers can then go to the south of the island using buses from the “Sud Lib” public transport network or to the north using those from Martinique Transport.

On the industrial front, it is worth noting that Lamentin is considered the economic heart of the island.

The town has no less than 5 industrial zones, 2 concentrated development zones, 2 shopping centers, including the largest one on the island, la Galleria, and the Chamber of Agriculture.

The town also hosts the island’s only refinery, Sara, but above all, the only airport in Martinique: the International Aimé Césaire Airport.

Finally, a hospital is also located in the town of Lamentin, called Mangot Vulcin.

GEOGRAPHY of this municipality in the center of Martinique

The Lamentin is the largest municipality in Martinique with an area of 62.32 km² divided into 55 neighborhoods.

This municipality, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, is adjacent to Ducos in the south, Le Robert in the east, Saint-Joseph in the north, and Fort-de-France in the west.

With a population of 40,033 inhabitants, the Lamentin is the second most populated city on the island.

It is composed of a vast plain surrounded by hills.

Nowadays urbanized, it is important to note that this municipality was originally very green and swampy.

Moreover, the largest river in Martinique, La Lézarde, is located in Lamentin.

Formerly, at the mouth of this river was the fish that gave its name to the city. Currently, this large river, as well as the mangrove, houses a wide variety of plant and animal species , including the most famous one, the crocodile Georges.

POLITICS

The town of Le Lamentin has almost always been left-leaning.

The political life of the town has been marked by 3 great mayors, Pierre Samot, Georges and Fernand Gratiant.

Currently, the town is staying on course, because since 2018, the new mayor is David Zobda.

Coming from the party “Building the Martinique country”, he was appointed by the municipal team in place following the resignation of the former mayor.

YOUTH

The Lamentin and its dynamic youth

As a large municipality with a dense population, Lamentin must have numerous facilities to accommodate and educate all Lamentinois and Martinicans in the surrounding areas.

The city has no fewer than 20 elementary schools: 8 preschools and 12 primary schools.

It also has 4 middle schools and 4 general, technological, and vocational high schools.

Moreover, Lamentin is known for having a large number of sports clubs, including the most famous ones for cycling such as “Madinina bikers” and “l’Etoile cycliste lamentinoise.”

The municipality of Le Lamentin also houses the Community Aquatic Center Pierre Samot.

CULTURE

What to do in Lamentin, day and night ?

Escape to nature

Lamentin offers activities for everyone and all ages.

It’s a mix of nature and history, physical and relaxing activities.

• Hiking
• Perrine Farm
• Heritage discovery tours
• La Favorite Distillery
• Yole boats
• Laser west
• Bowling
• The flower garden of Croix-Rivail
• The blue house
• The fountain of the Nymphe
• The fountain of the children

The history of Lamentin through its architecture

In terms of architecture, whether religious or cultural monuments, the history of Martinique has left us traces of the past.

In the category of religious monuments, we find in Lamentin:

• Saint-Laurent Church

• Notre Dame de Victoire Chapel

• Saint-Joseph Chapel

• Sainte-Famille Chapel

• Saint-Pierre & Saint-Paul Chapel

• Pelletier Chapel, Daubert

• Sainte-Victoire Chapel

Appellation “Monument Historique” ou “Patrimoine du 20e siècle”

Many buildings, including those mentioned above, are protected by designations such as “Historical Monument” or “20th Century Heritage”.

Among these distinctions, we have, among others:

• Saint-Laurent Church
• La fontaine à la Nymphe
• La fontaine aux enfants

IN SUMMARY

The city of Lamentin is very attractive.

It has managed to transition from a large agricultural area to a commercial zone, creating many jobs in the area.

As a true economic hub, it has successfully combined history and modernity.

In constant development, the urban area is constantly renewing itself and becoming even richer.

For the time being, it is an essential expansion of the capital.