Le Diamant

History of the municipality of DIAMOND

The commune of Diamant was born on March 19, 1862.

Originally it only formed one large agglomeration with Anses-d’Arlet martinique and Sainte-Luce called “the commune of the south”.

Theatre of numerous Franco-English confrontations, the Diamond derives its name from the rock located in its bay .

Arriving in the 17th century, the colonists took possession of the island, which aroused the spirit of the English pirates who were all that was in their power to seize this territory.

In 1804, after being repelled by the French marines, they decided to settle on the Diamond Rock, which they considered to be a stranded English ship.

The location of the rock was a strategic point for them, as from there it could control the Saint Lucia channel but also the boats going to Fort-de-France.

The English pirates had built a small town there. The rock sheltered their fortification, a hospital and even an animal breeding.

Their occupation lasted 17 months.

URBANISM

To get to the Diamond, you have to take the departmental road 7 also called the “Route des Anses”.

The municipal council is also currently working on the development of a cycle path between the village and Cap 110.

Furthermore, the municipality is served by the “Sud Lib” public transport network.

GEOGRAPHY of this municipality in the south of Martinique

The Diamant Martinique The Diamant covers an area of 27.34 km² divided into 27 districts .

The municipality is surrounded by the Anses d’Arlet to the west, the Trois-Îlets Martinique to the north and Rivière-Salée to the east.

Its relief is relatively mountainous with some plains bordered by the sea.

Finally, the climate is tropical and dry.

Is that so ? The Diamond Rock is forbidden to the public . For cause, it shelters protected bird species among others which use the place to reproduce there.

POLITICS

Since 2020, the municipality has been led by Hugues Toussay and his municipal council.

A Democrat, he succeeds Gilbert Eustache, who was accompanied by the RDM (Martinique Democratic Rally) and the MIM (Martinique Independence Movement) during his two consecutive terms.

YOUTH

Success first

The Diamond has an elementary school, a kindergarten and a college.

It should be noted that the new city council has made the education of Diamonds its priority.

It has set up a free online support platform, “prof express”, accompanying students and parents to high school.

CULTURE

What to do in Diamant, day and night ?

Escape into nature

Many people associate Diamant only with its majestic rock or the famous swing on Dizac beach that can be found in many pictures.

Yet the town also offers cultural, historical, playful and physical activities !

• Hiking on Morne Larcher
• Water Rambling
• Picnic on Dizac Beach
• Scuba Diving
• Jet Skiing
• Surfing
• Snorkeling
• Swimming on the Beaches of Diamant
• Trekking in Dizac Forest
• Paragliding. Heritage and Culture Related Articles.

History Through Stone

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

In the religious monuments category, there are in Diamant :

• The Church of Saint Thomas Apostle

In the museum category, there are in Diamant :

• The Diamond Museum
• The Shell Museum
• The Prisoner’s House
• Cap 110 – Anse Cafard Memorial

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

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

Among these distinctions, there are, among others :

• The House of the Prisoner
• The status of the “Neg Mawon”
• The bust of Aimé Césaire
• The Cap 110

IN SUMMARY

The city of Diamant is a historical landmark for Martinique but also a model in terms of ecological urban planning and educational support.

Often considered far away from everything, the municipality is nevertheless one of the most emerging in Martinique.

Thanks to its new municipal team and determined inhabitants, Hugues Toussay intends to revitalize the municipality while respecting nature. Visit the other municipalities of southern Martinique.