Lucy Belle-Matthew, sworn-in as Roseau mayor, outlines Council priorities

Lucy Belle-Matthew was officially sworn in as mayor of the City of Roseau on Monday, pledging to tackle sanitation, property management, and street vending issues as key priorities for the new council.

Belle-Matthew, who represented Ward 4 in the March 2026 Roseau City Council election, secured 408 votes to defeat opponent Sherman Boston, who received 267 votes.

In her inaugural address, the mayor pointed to the need for property owners to comply with regulations on vacant lots and dilapidated buildings.

“We are appealing to the owners of such properties to take immediate action to comply with Council’s regulation,” she said, adding that the council will recommend revisions to property tax laws to strengthen enforcement.

“The authority of Council must be recognized and respected,” Belle-Matthew stated. “There cannot be full and effective representation without your commitment to pay your taxes and fulfilling your obligation to Council.”

She commended the Government of Dominica for its efforts to upgrade housing stock in the municipality, noting improvements in living conditions for many families. She also urged private property owners and the wider community to contribute to sanitation initiatives.

Turning to urban management, Belle-Matthew highlighted concerns over the use of sidewalks and streets by vendors, particularly in the city center.

“Vending in some areas of the city has become a major hazard due to the congestion and disorderly vending practices,” she explained. She assured vendors that while the council intends to restore order, livelihoods would not be adversely affected, pointing to available space at the Roseau Market as a solution.

“This situation cannot be allowed to continue. We will seek to address this issue in an orderly manner,” she said. “If you are relocated to the Roseau market, we want you to make a good living by applying your trade. But we have a statutory duty which we must execute.”