A new chapter of local governance is set to begin for the Commonwealth of Dominica’s capital city of Roseau, after political newcomer Lucy Belle-Matthew was confirmed as the city’s next mayor in an unopposed vote by the newly seated city council this week.
Belle-Matthew, a resident of the Roseau suburb Fond Cole, first secured her path to the mayor’s office after winning a competitive race for the city’s Ward 4 seat in the March 2026 Roseau City Council Elections. In that head-to-head contest, she earned 408 votes, defeating challenger Sherman Boston who garnered 267 ballots cast in his favor.
Her ascension to the top municipal role brings an end to the six-year tenure of outgoing mayor Sandra Irmine Royer, who held the position for two consecutive full terms. Royer first took office in January 2020 and won re-election to a second term in the March 2023 council vote.
In her first public remarks following her confirmation as mayor-elect, Belle-Matthew expressed deep gratitude to her fellow council members for entrusting her with the leadership role. “Profoundly grateful to my fellow councillors for having placed their confidence and given this opportunity,” she said. “As Mayor elect for the City of Roseau, with a unified approach and hard work we will make that difference to move our City and municipality forward. Sleeves rolled back… Work will start.”
As of this week, municipal officials have not yet announced a formal inauguration date for the newly elected council and incoming mayor, leaving the timeline for the official leadership transition unconfirmed.