Old Market Square
Old Market Square is located in the capital city of Roseau, behind the Dominica Museum on the seafront. It is generally referred to as Old Market Plaza, Dawbiney Market Square, and Old Market of Roseau respectively. The market was a beehive of activity in the colonial period and many traders from surrounding islands brought their wares to sell as well as buy commodities in the place.
Even slave trading and public executions also took place in the market.
Many Maroons were executed at the Old Market Square, including Maroon Chief Jacko who was killed by the British on July 12, 1814, during the Second Maroon War. He was an African slave who escaped from the Beaubois Estate in Castle Comfort and set up a camp close to Belles village.
Former Attorney-General Bernard Wiltshire in July 2014 called for the institution of a “Maroon Day” to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Jacko’s death. He also called for the renovation of the Old Market Square into an international monument with a perpetual flame burning in “remembrance of all those people who died suffering from slavery on this island; and not just those who died, but those who fought against slavery as well.”
The market square underwent major renovations in 1988 and many crafts such as pieces of jewelry and T-shirts began to be sold at stalls and shops. Even agricultural produce like spices and other farm products are sold in stalls around the market.