Old Market Square

The Old Market Square, also known as Old Market Plaza, Dawbiney Market Square, and the Roseau Old Market, is a historic landmark in the heart of Roseau, Dominica’s capital. Situated behind the Dominica Museum on the Bayfront and bordered by King George V Street, Church Street, and Old Street, the square has long been a central gathering place for commerce, culture, and historical significance. With the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth on the Dame Mary Eugenia Charles Blvd welcoming visitors from the Caribbean Sea, Old Market Square is a prominent point of interest for locals and tourists.

Old Market Square History and Dark Past

During its bustling colonial period, the Old Market Square was a thriving center for trade, where merchants from nearby islands came to buy and sell goods. However, it also bore witness to the darker aspects of Dominica’s history, as slave trading and public executions were commonplace. The square saw the execution of numerous Maroons, including Maroon Chief Jacko. Jacko, who led a Maroon resistance and was eventually captured and killed by the British on July 12, 1814, after the Second Maroon War, symbolized the defiance against oppression. A former African slave who escaped from the Beaubois Estate in Castle Comfort, Jacko established a Maroon camp near Belles village, where he led efforts to resist colonial forces.

In July 2014, Bernard Wiltshire, former Attorney-General, called for a Maroon Day to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Jacko’s death. He advocated for the Old Market Square to be transformed into an international monument, featuring a perpetual flame to honor all those who perished under slavery, as well as those who fought against it.

Transformation and Modern-Day Market

Despite its somber history, Old Market Square underwent major renovations in 1988, evolving into a vibrant cultural and craft center that celebrates Dominica’s cultural heritage. Local artisans sell handcrafted jewelry, T-shirts, spices, and other farm products in stalls and shops around the square. Visitors can experience a blend of history and culture while exploring the wide array of crafts that capture the essence of Dominican tradition.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Old Market Square remains an integral part of Roseau’s urban and cultural identity, offering a complex narrative of Dominica’s history. From its early days as a trade center to its present role as a vibrant craft market, the square attracts visitors who are drawn to its blend of past and present. Its proximity to other key landmarks—such as Dominica’s Cenotaph, Peebles Park, and the Neg Mawon Emancipation Monument—further solidifies its role as a cultural hub in Roseau, fostering national pride and preserving the memory of those who shaped the island’s history.