Lamentin

Lamentin is a commune in the French overseas department and region of Guadeloupe. It is part of the agglomeration of Pointe-à-Pitre, in the north part of Basse-Terre. Three islets are included in the commune: Christopher, Fajou, Caret.

History

Founded in 1720 in the commune's name comes from a French word for manatee, a sea creature which used to inhabit the Lesser Antilles. In the 18th century, the commune underwent a boom, down to coffee, caco, cotton and sugar cane. In 1920, a cyclone destroyed the mayor's office and presbytery, which have since been rebuilt by Ali Tur.

Population

Tourism

Lamentin is home to La Ravine Chaude, a thermal bathing centre.

Education

Public preschools include:

Ecole maternelle le Verger de Castel
Ecole maternelle Julien Chabin
Ecole maternelle Blanche Pierre
Ecole maternelle Pierrette

Public primary schools include:

Ecole primaire Bourg 1 Lamentin
Ecole primaire Bourg 2 Lamentin
Ecole primaire Castel
Ecole primaire La Rozière
Ecole primaire Pierrette
Ecole primaire Vincent

Public junior high schools include:

Collège Appel du 18 juin

Public senior high schools include:

LDM de l'habitat et des services associés Bertène Juminer
Personalities
René Toribio, politician