Lamentin (French pronunciation: [lamɑ̃tɛ̃]; Guadeloupean Creole: Manten or Lamanten) 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 (lamantin), 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 (The hot ravine), 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 (1912-1990), politician
References
External links
Media related to Lamentin at Wikimedia Commons
