Belles

Belles is a village in the Saint Joseph Parish of Dominica. The original Creole name for the town was Norway, and it was also called Bassinville in the past, but the name Belles stuck in honour of Henry Hesketh Bell. Marigot is to the north, and Roseau is to the south of the village. The landscape of Belles offers its residents and visitors the serene tranquillity of rural life, combined with a strong sense of community and heritage.

About Belles

Belles holds a unique place in Dominica’s history as it was a key stronghold for Chief Jacko and his Maroon warriors during their fight against colonial powers in the 18th century. Today, the indomitable spirit of Chief Jacko and his comrades still echoes through the village, reflecting its legacy of resilience and freedom.

The village’s geographical location makes it a gateway to several natural attractions. For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Belles offers easy access to the village’s famous tourist attractions: Jacko Falls, Spanny Falls, and Jacko Steps. The stunning vistas, clean air, and pristine natural environment create an idyllic setting for those seeking a retreat from the hustle of city life.

With a population of about 500 people, Belles is essentially a community of farmers. The people cultivate and sell bananas, plantain, yam, cassava, vegetables, and other tree crops.

Many of the village children attend the government-run Belles Primary School. The Dominica Government provided the students with buses, and a few years back, the school received donations for refurbished computers to help the students with computer literacy.