Le Morne-Rouge is a French commune located in the department of Martinique. Its inhabitants are called "Péléens." The commune of Le Morne-Rouge is the wettest and coolest in Martinique.
Good morning from the Morne-Rouge side!
Morne-Rouge Today
Airlocal welcomes you to the commune of Morne-Rouge, a gem located in the north of the island of Martinique. Blending natural richness and the beauty of the island, it is a magnificent place at the foot of the majestic Montagne Pelée! It presents an authentic image of Martinique.
The commune is home to more than 4,500 "rubimornais" (the name for the inhabitants of the commune).
HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHY
Morne-Rouge: Between Land and Mountain
Founded in the early 20th century and situated at an altitude of 450 meters, Morne-Rouge played a sadly crucial role during the eruption of Montagne Pelée in 1902. This event, which traumatized the entire island at the time, is still a very present trauma today. Due to its proximity to Saint-Pierre, the commune served as the main refuge for many survivors: men, women, and children from Saint-Pierre. But why this peculiar name? It comes from the reddish color of its lands, rich in iron oxide, contrasting with its surrounding greenery and tropical forests.
Morne-Rouge offers an impressive and unique view of Montagne Pelée and the Caribbean Sea. This commune is surrounded by hills and green valleys, making it a well-known and favored location for sports enthusiasts seeking magnificent landscapes, eco-friendly initiatives, and ecotourism.
NATURE AND URBANISM
A Wealth of Natural Heritage
As a starting point to explore Montagne Pelée, Morne-Rouge possesses fertile land closely linked to the volcanic activity of the island. Indeed, its soil plays a crucial role because it is rich in minerals due to volcanic eruptions depositing ashes and pyroclastic materials rich in minerals on the ground. Over time, these materials decompose and release nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, essential for plant growth.
Volcanic soils, known as andosols, with their airy texture, promote good water retention and adequate soil aeration. They are ideal for plant growth in humid tropical regions like Martinique.
Soils formed by volcanic materials have a neutral or slightly acidic pH, favorable for most agricultural crops.
Taking advantage of the fertility of its soils, the commune diversifies its cultivation of vegetables and flowers. This is also practical for organic and sustainable agriculture, with less dependence on chemical fertilizers, preserving the environment while producing healthy food.
The proximity to Montagne Pelée is advantageous as the soils are constantly enriched and renewed by new eruptions, even minor ones.
The fertility of the soils around Morne-Rouge is a direct legacy of the volcanic activity of Montagne Pelée.
POLITICS
Committed Communal Politics
The commune has had 5 different mayors, with the current mayor, Jenny Dulys-Petit, in office since 2008, also concurrently serving as a school director.
However, her predecessor, Pierre Petit, was an emblematic figure of Martinique's right-wing and made a significant contribution to the development of the Morne-Rouge commune.
He served as the mayor of Morne-Rouge from 1983 to 2008, and his tenure was marked by several initiatives aimed at significantly improving the quality of life for residents and promoting the economic development of the commune. He was also a Member of Parliament for Martinique from 1993 to 2002, giving him the opportunity to represent Martinique's interests at the national level.
In 2000, he founded "Osons Oser," his own political party, reflecting his innovative and proactive approach to politics. This party aimed to unite left and right-wing parties to develop a unified political and economic project for Martinique.
Pierre Petit was a staunch advocate for the institutional evolution of Martinique within the French and European legal framework, although he rejected the idea of independence.
He contributed to the economic progress of the region by presiding over the economic development and employment commission when he worked at the regional council of Martinique. As a doctor and former head of the Meynard Hospital in Fort-de-France, he also made contributions to the healthcare sector on the island.
He passed away on February 4, 2022.
A landscaped park in Morne-Rouge was posthumously named in his honor.
Pierre Petit played a crucial role in the development of Morne-Rouge and remains a strong influence for future generations.
YOUTH
A Commune Where Youth is Valued
The commune is home to numerous educational institutions, including:
- Fond Marie Reine Preschool and Primary School
- Morne-Rouge Preschool
- Notre-Dame de la Délivrande Catholic Preschool, Primary School, and College
- Marie Labarde Bourg Primary School
- Christiane Eda Pierre College
For secondary education, students must turn to neighboring communes such as Saint-Pierre or Le Lorrain.
CULTURE
What to Do in Morne-Rouge?
There are numerous things to do in Morne-Rouge and its surroundings:
- Hike to Montagne Pelée
- Stroll through the city center
- Visit the market
- Explore the House of the Volcano
- Visit the Notre-Dame de la Délivrande Church in Morne-Rouge
- Explore the Domaine de l’Emeraude
- Visit the Lourdes Caves
- See the sculpture "Les larmes de la Montagne Pelée" (The Tears of Montagne Pelée).
IN SUMMARY
Morne-Rouge is a place where wealth is everywhere: in nature, in its history, and in its culture, offering an authentic and memorable Martinique experience. It is the ideal place to discover another facet of Martinique, more rural, natural, and rooted in its traditions. A true pleasure!
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