Le Diamant

History

Le Diamant is a town in southern Martinique, bordered by Les Anses-d’Arlet to the west, Sainte-Luce to the east, and Trois-Îlets and Rivière-Salée to the north.

The earliest known history of the area now known as Le Diamant dates back to the 4th century, when the Arawak people settled in the southern part of the island. Around the 10th century, the arrival of the Caribs—fierce warriors—led to the massacre of the Arawaks and the occupation of the territory until the arrival of French colonists.

Le Diamant began to be populated in the second half of the 17th century. A village took shape, centered around a newly built church, and the inhabitants cultivated sugarcane, corn, and cotton.

In 1804, the iconic Rocher du Diamant became the site of intense conflict between the English and the French, both claiming ownership of the islet. The English installed a garrison and a battery of cannons to control maritime traffic in the Saint Lucia Channel.

The battle for control of the rock lasted 17 months. In May 1805, the French finally succeeded in driving out the English.

The village grew quickly, with small dwellings emerging and thriving thanks to sugarcane and corn production, while subsistence crops were cultivated further inland.

Le Diamant’s local history took a dramatic turn in 1716, when the Regent of France banned the creation of new sugar refineries due to rising sugar production. This decision clashed with the interests of local colonists. Governor La Garenne and Intendant Ricouart, tasked with enforcing the measure, were invited to a reception at Habitation O'Mullane (then called Habitation Bourgeot, near the entrance to Le Diamant).

But instead of a feast, they were ambushed, imprisoned, taken to Saint-Pierre, and shipped off to France. This revolt became known as the “Gaoulé,” a word of unknown origin that signifies a rowdy and forceful protest. Today, the Maison du Gaoulé is a private residence.

Two centuries later, on May 24, 1925, riots broke out during the second round of municipal elections amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud.

Two factions clashed: the Békés—wealthy landowners supporting Colonel de Coppens, a retired officer and owner of the Dizac distillery—and the left-wing popular parties backed by local residents.

On May 25, tensions escalated when ballot-stuffing attempts were made. In the ensuing clashes, one man was killed. Outraged, the townspeople of Le Diamant attacked and killed the colonel and his escort of gendarmes.

This event, later dubbed the “War of Le Diamant,” led to the imprisonment of Médard Haribot, a local sculptor who had raised a sculpture bearing the colonel’s likeness. He was sentenced to life in the penal colony in French Guiana but returned to Martinique in 1960, where he built the famous “Maison du Bagnard” and lived there until his death.

Economy

Le Diamant’s economy is primarily centered around tourism and related activities. The town features several hotels, as well as shops selling tourist goods and souvenirs.

Neighborhoods

The main districts of the commune are Ancinel, Anse Caffard, Artisanal de Taupinière, Bitaille, Bonne Terre, Carole, Chalopin, Dizac, Fond Camille, Fond Manoel, Fond Placide, Haut Morne, Jacqua, Jeanville, Joubadière, La Cherry, La Mélise, La Pointe, Le Gaoulé, Longuet, Mare Poirier, Morne Blanc, Morne Constant, Morne la Croix, Morne Lacroix, Morne Pavillon, O'Mullane, Petit Lézard, Quamalon, Ravine Gens Bois, Tamarin, and Thoraille.