"Se de bon ki fè bonbon."
It's two 'goods' [good deeds] that makes candy.
-Haitian proverb
Location in Grand'Anse Department. In center, to the right of Pink-Bold region.
Roseaux (Kréyol: Wozo; English: "The Reeds") is a coastal commune in the Grand’Anse Department of Haiti, forming part of the Corail Arrondissement. Positioned at an elevation of 76 meters (250 feet) above sea level on the Tiburon Peninsula, Roseaux lies approximately 15 kilometers (10 miles) east of the city of Jérémie. The commune is bordered to the west by the Roseaux River, which flows into the Gulf of Gonâve near Corail. Spanning 216 square kilometers (84 square miles), Roseaux combines fertile plains, rivers, and beaches such as Malibu and Grande-Anse, offering both natural beauty and opportunities for local agriculture and community development. As of 2015, the population was recorded at 35,756.
About[]
Roseaux is a commune alive with local energy and untapped potential. The area combines fertile plains, flowing rivers, and coastal zones that could support tourism and small-scale agriculture, yet much of its natural wealth remains underdeveloped. Residents are often described as proactive and community-minded, taking initiatives to improve local life despite limited infrastructure and investment.
The commune’s villages are dotted with modest homes, schools, and small markets, where motorcycles, tap-taps, and foot traffic dominate daily life. Community organizations, including youth groups and local cooperatives, play a key role in supporting education, social activities, and grassroots development. Local initiatives—ranging from sports events to cultural gatherings—reflect a spirit of resilience and creativity, and demonstrate how the people of Roseaux actively shape their communal identity.
Despite challenges such as limited healthcare facilities, infrastructure gaps, and occasional security concerns, the commune is rich in human and natural resources. Its rivers, forests, and coastal areas remain largely unexplored, representing both a challenge and an opportunity: if harnessed thoughtfully, Roseaux could become a hub for eco-tourism and local economic growth. Residents and visitors alike recognize that with coordinated efforts, the commune’s untapped potential could transform Roseaux into a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and sustainable tourism.
Etymolygy[]
The name Roseaux comes from the French word for “reeds,” pointing to the marshy areas and riverbanks that characterize parts of the commune. In Kreyòl, the town is called Wozo, a phonetic adaptation that locals use in everyday speech. The name evokes the natural environment, particularly the reeds along the Roseaux River and the surrounding lowlands, which have historically shaped settlement patterns, agriculture, and daily life.
Beyond its literal meaning, the name carries cultural resonance: the reeds symbolize resilience and flexibility, qualities often attributed to the people of the Grand-Anse region. Just as reeds bend but do not break in the wind, the community has endured environmental challenges, economic constraints, and infrastructure gaps, yet continues to maintain its social cohesion and local initiatives. The name Wozo thus serves as both a geographic marker and a metaphor for the communal spirit that defines Roseaux.
Neighbor of Roseaux, Haiti
Neighbor of Roseaux, Haiti
History[]
Post-Revolution and 19th Century[]
Following Haiti’s independence in 1804, Jérémie remained the administrative center of Grand’Anse, with its surrounding rural sections—including what would become Roseaux—forming integral parts of the region’s social and economic landscape. Roseaux originally functioned as the first rural section of Jérémiefirst rural section of Jérémie, located along the Route de Corail, roughly three leagues from the towPetit Trou de la Grand’Anse
Known initially as Petit Trou de la Grand’Anse, the settlement served as a small hamlet and pier during periods of local conflict, such as the GRoseaux River which lasted nearly 14 years. The Roseaux River, notorious for its dangeHood Mountain Rangeh tides, originates from the Hood Mountain Range and flows into Trou Jérémie, historically affecting the transport of couriers and letters, including a notable incident on May 18, 1878.
In 1791, the colored men of Grand’Anse camped at Roseaux, dreaming of their rights during the early revfamous Battle of Roseaux, General Briceeneral Br during the famous Battle of Roseaux, General Brice, facing enemy forces and depleted ammunition, famously challenged his opponents to seize the day—an act of boldness that caused the opposing forces to retreat.
By law, Roseaux was designated a parish in 1817 and later reclassified as a district in 1821. Agriculture flourished, with the commune producing substantial quantities of coffee, cotton, cocoa, and logwood, primarily channeled through Jérémie. In 1869, during conflicts with the Cacos, President Salnave confiscated 200 bags of coffee from local residents, prompting a counterattack led by General Brice.
A proposal in June 1890 sought to elevate Roseaux to a 5th-class municipality, though it was initially opposed by the Minister of the Interior, Saint M. Dupuy.
Incorporation as a Commune[]
Roseaux was formally renamed in 1907 after the Roseaux River. Under General Zacharie Dimanche and President Antoine Simon, it was unofficially elevated to commune status in 1908, then officially established as a commune on August 26, 1909, with the formal inauguration occurring on October 24, 1909, officiated by General Charles Roland.
The commune’s early development reflected its dual identity: deeply tied to Jérémie for trade and governance, yet progressively asserting local autonomy, managing civic affairs, and maintaining economic activities tied to agriculture and river transport.
Geography[]
Roseaux municipal boundary along the RN-7.
Roseaux is located at 18.5994° N, 74.0190° W, on the Tiburon Peninsula, east of the city of Jérémie. According to the IHSI, the commune covers a total land area of 216.81 square kilometers (83.71 square miles). It is bordered by the Gulf of Gonâve to the north, the city of Corail to the east, the town of Beaumont to the southeast, the Southern Department city of Chardonnières to the south, and the city of Jérémie to the west.
The commune is divided into four communal sections, with the main town and the fourth section of Gommiers lying along the coast, while the remaining sections are inland. The terrain varies between plains and hills, depending on location, with fertile valleys supporting agriculture and rolling hills connecting to the Hood Mountain Range. The Roseaux River, which flows westward into the Gulf of Gonâve, has historically shaped settlement patterns and agriculture, though it is known for dangerous floods and strong currents.
Commune map of Roseaux
Neighborhoods[]
| ROS | Roseaux | 35,756 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VRO | Ville de Roseaux | Urban | 2,117 | ||
| CCH | 1ère Section Carrefour Charles (Ou Jacqui) | Rural | 7,167 | Beaufrin, Bois Lambert, Carrefour Charles, Escalier, Fond d'Icaque, Fond Ragé, La Bastille, La Chichotte, La Lande, Mansotte, Minan, Monrite, Mort, Nan Bayard, Nan Charles, Nan Moutin, Nan Plingue, Phanord, Roche Miel, Simon. | |
| FCO | 2ème Section Fond Cochon (Ou Lopineau) | Rural | 11,740 | Annette, Cachimbo, Des Ombrages, 'Fond Cochon", Guinaudée, Jacquin, La Grande Colline, Lopino, Mapou Nan Sotte, Montérant | |
| GVN | 3ème Section Grand-Vincent | Rural | 8,372 | Bois Sec, Cobin, Duvet, Grand Vincent, Lamardier, Pavier, Place Nègre. | |
| LGM | 4ème Section Les Gommiers | Rural section | 6,360 | Bernard, Bufies, Duc, Dumois, Fond Bucher, Fond Liane, Gomier, Grand Vincent, Gué, La Chomarche, La Source, Leger, Legros, Mortel, Nan Dede, Nan Raynal, Perry, Pierre, Plaine Premier, Timare. |
Demographics[]
As of 2015, Roseaux had a male-dominated population of 35,756, comprising 18,981 men (53%) and 16,775 women (47%). Among these, 21,496 residents were adults (18+), representing approximately 60% of the population. This indicates a largely working-age population, suggesting potential labor availability for agriculture, trade, and local businesses, but also a need for adult services, governance, and civic infrastructure. The commune has 8,833 households, resulting in an average household size of 4.0 persons per household.
Over recent decades, the population has experienced fluctuations: it declined slightly in the early 2000s, rebounded in the late 2000s, and grew steadily into 2015. This growth reflects both natural population increase and gradual retention of residents despite migration to larger cities.
The urban center, Ville des Roseaux, is home to 2,117 residents, with a nearly even gender distribution (1,058 men; 1,059 women) and 1,119 adults (18+), representing 53% of the urban population. The town contains 416 households, giving an average household size of 5.1 persons. Covering 2.17 km² (0.84 mi²), Ville des Roseaux is significantly denser, at 976 inhabitants per km² (2,529 per mi²).
The nearly equal gender distribution and slightly lower adult proportion (53%) indicate a youthful but balanced population, which bodes well for the urban center’s future labor force and economic activity. This structure also highlights the need for continued investment in education, healthcare, and youth-oriented services to support both current and upcoming generations
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 30,244 | |
| 2003 | 28,811 | -5% |
| 2009 | 32,517 | +13% |
| 2015 | 35,756 | +10% |
Climate[]
According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, Roseaux experiences a tropical savanna climate (Aw), with a wet season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. Annual rainfall averages 1,400–1,600 mm (55–63 inches), with most precipitation falling in May, September, and October. Rainy days typically number 90–110 per year, while the commune enjoys roughly 2,400 hours of sunshine annually, providing ample light for farming and daily life.
Local temperatures generally range from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), though the surrounding Roseaux hills and Hood Mountain Range create areas that stay slightly cooler and wetter than the low-lying plains. The Roseaux River plains and coastal sectors receive slightly more moisture during storms, while higher hills experience cooler, more shaded conditions, creating distinct environmental zones within the commune.
This combination of rainfall, sunshine, and varied terrain sustains the commune’s agriculture-based economy, while also giving the landscape untapped potential for eco-tourism. Visitors can explore the interplay of coastal plains, rolling hills, and fertile valleys, along with cultural sites and local traditions, all shaped by the natural rhythms of this northern Grand’Anse region.
Route Nationale 7 facing eastbound, Roseaux
Economy[]
Roseaux, Haiti
Agriculture, livestock, trade, and fishing are the main economic activities of Roseaux. Farmers cultivate sugarcane, coffee, cocoa, cotton, maize, and various fruits and vegetables, relying on the fertile plains, river valleys, and tropical climate to sustain production. Livestock—such as goats, cattle, and poultry—is raised alongside crops, while small-scale fishing along the Roseaux River and coastal areas supports both local consumption and limited trade.
The town hosts three credit unions, providing financial services for residents and local businesses. In terms of commerce, residents often travel to Jérémie or Port-au-Prince to purchase essential products, including rice, oil, sugar, wheat, and soft drinks. Historically, Roseaux exported coffee, cotton, cocoa, and logwood, with Jérémie serving as the primary outlet.
Infrastructure[]
Pont de Roseaux
Transportation[]
Roseaux is situated along Route Nationale 7, providing a direct connection to Jérémie to the west and Les Cayes to the south. The main road follows the historic Route de Corail, linking the town center with the four communal sections and neighboring communes. Some areas, particularly the fourth section and coastal stretches, remain difficult to navigate due to uneven or unpaved roads.
Local transportation relies on motorcycles, shared taxis, tap-taps, and trucks, which serve both passengers and goods. Boat services are also available along the river and coastal areas, although the river’s periodic flooding can temporarily disrupt travel. Despite these challenges, the RN-7 remains the vital artery for commerce, education, and healthcare, while the surrounding hills, plains, and river valleys offer scenic routes that could support future eco-tourism and cultural visits.
Education[]
Education in Roseaux is primarily focused on primary and basic secondary levels, with a mix of public, private, and congregational institutions serving the commune. The Ministry of National Education, Youth, and Sports has no direct representation in Roseaux, which affects coordination and resource allocation. The commune lacks kindergarten facilities, but hosts 8 public elementary schools, 11 private schools, and 10 congregational schools. At the secondary level, there is one congregational school, which offers education up to the 9th fundamental year. In addition, six literacy centers operate across the commune, supporting adult and out-of-school learning.
Roseaux does not have technical or vocational schools, nor does it have a university, meaning students seeking higher education or specialized training must travel to Jérémie or other nearby urban centers.
Health[]
Healthcare in Roseaux is limited, with only three clinics staffed by four nurses and one auxiliary. Few doctors and medical personnel provide basic medical services, mainly focusing on maternal care, vaccinations, and treatment of common illnesses. For more specialized or emergency care, residents often travel to Jérémie or other larger towns in Grand’Anse.
Public health challenges include limited access to clean water, sanitation issues, and periodic outbreaks of preventable diseases. Despite these constraints, local health initiatives and community programs—sometimes supported by NGOs—work to promote hygiene, maternal and child health, and vaccination campaigns. The scarcity of medical staff and absence of major hospitals underscore the need for strengthened healthcare infrastructure to meet the commune’s growing needs.
Utilities[]
Roseaux’s utility infrastructure remains limited but functional through a mix of traditional and community-supported solutions. Electricity access is sporadic, with some households relying on generators or solar panels, while many rural areas remain off-grid.
Water supply is gradually improving: families receive water through systems like the Châtea Deau installations in Roseaux and nearby areas. In addition, the commune relies on three rivers, eight springs, and more than a dozen single borehole wells for domestic use. Sanitation facilities are basic, with most households using latrines, and solid waste management is largely informal. Residents continue to adapt through small-scale and community-driven solutions, reflecting the commune’s practical approach to essential services.
Administration[]
Roseaux is governed as a commune within the Grand’Anse Department and is part of the Corail Arrondissement. The municipality is divided into four communal sections, each with local administrative oversight managing civic affairs, land use, and community projects.
Local governance is led by a mayor and municipal council, who coordinate with departmental authorities on issues such as infrastructure, education, and public services. Administrative offices are primarily concentrated in Ville des Roseaux, the urban center, while the outlying communal sections maintain local representation to address the specific needs of residents in coastal, plain, and hilly areas.
The commune has a police station, a court of peace and a registry office to handle civil and legal matters. However, it lacks a prison, meaning that detention services rely on nearby communes. Roseaux also participates in broader national programs, though certain ministries, such as the Ministry of National Education, have limited direct presence, requiring local adaptation in the management of schools, clinics, and municipal projects.
As of December 2021
  Jean Richard Olin |
  Dianie Cayemitte |
  Jean Tibrière Auguste |
Culture[]
Religion[]
Religious life in Roseaux is diverse, with members attending services across several faith traditions. The commune is home to a significant number of congregations, including 24 Methodist churches, which form the largest denomination, followed by 22 Catholic churches and 13 Baptist churches. These institutions serve not only as places of worship but also as community centers, shaping social life and local identity.
While Christianity is dominant, religious practice often blends formal worship with traditional customs, reflecting the broader Haitian spiritual landscape. Patron saint feast days and other religious celebrations bring together residents from both the urban center and rural sections, reinforcing social ties and cultural continuity. In Roseaux, religion remains a defining pillar of community life, anchoring faith, fellowship, and tradition.
Organizations[]
Concerning parties and other formal structures, Roseaux does not have active political parties, though there is a peasant group affiliated with COREGA (Committee of Resistance Grand’Anse). Beyond that, the commune shows a lively associative fabric, including four grassroots organizations, seven peasant groups, nine women’s groups, and nine non-commercial cooperatives.
- Konbit Peyizan Grand’Anse – local/national group that provides training and agricultural support to farmers in Roseaux.
- ActionAid Haïti – international NGO supporting women’s economic recovery in Roseaux through the ASARANGA project.
- FAO + MARNDR – UN and government partnership that has assisted Roseaux’s fishermen with equipment and livelihood recovery.
- ICleanHaiti – works in Roseaux and nearby communes on sanitation, public health, and community clean-up initiatives.
- Food For The Poor – supporting the rebuilding and improvement of schools in Roseaux, including École Nationale Ti Pousseline.
- Caring House Project Foundation – has built housing, a community center/clinic/school, water systems, and livestock programs in Roseaux.
- Le Roseau Initiative – education-focused project helping underserved youth in Roseaux access learning opportunities and support networks.
Communication[]
The commune is covered by Haiti’s national cell providers, giving residents access to voice and mobile data services, though reception can be inconsistent between the coast and the hill country. Internet access is expanding slowly, mostly through mobile data rather than fixed lines.
The postal service is active, and households in the municipality receive mail at home, providing a reliable if modest link with the rest of the country. However, Roseaux does not have its own radio or television stations; residents rely instead on regional broadcasts from Jérémie or Port-au-Prince, as well as community announcements, church networks, and word of mouth to circulate local information.
Leisure[]
Leisure infrastructure in Roseaux is limited. The town lacks a library or museum, and the parish hall occasionally doubles as a theater for community events. Football (soccer) is the primary sport, played informally across the commune, alongside thirty-one local gaguères, which serve as gathering spots for socializing and gambling.
Around 620 children get their education at the school at Roseaux run by the local Catholic Church. Chalice sponsors 206 out of the 620 children.
In terms of cultural heritage, there is a cave considered as a site and place of vodunesque ceremony. The town celebrates its patron saint who is the Immaculate Conception every 8 December. On December 8th, the feast of Notre Dame de I'lmmaculee Conception, the patron Saint is celebrated at Roseaux City.
Tourism[]
Beautiful cove in Roseaux
Roseaux boasts a rich cultural heritage intertwined with its natural landscapes. A notable site is a cave used for Vodun ceremonies, adding both spiritual significance and historical depth to the commune. The town also celebrates its patron saint, the Immaculate Conception, every December 8, with the Feast of Notre Dame de l’Immaculée Conception observed by residents in the urban center and surrounding sections.
The commune’s scenic beauty enhances its tourism potential. Gommiers, Carrefour Charles, Pig Valley, and Grand Vincent form the four communal sections, each with unique coastal and inland landscapes. A picturesque cove in Roseaux is enclosed by large rocks and dotted with wooden boats along the shoreline. Children often play in the crystal-clear shallow waters, while the surrounding hills, lush vegetation, and towering palm trees create a striking backdrop. The nearby mountains also host large caves inhabited by bats, historically used for Vodou rituals, blending spiritual and natural heritage.
Together, these cultural and natural features position Roseaux as a destination for eco-tourism, historical exploration, and cultural immersion, though visitor infrastructure remains limited.
Roseaux, Haiti
References[]
FENAMH [1]
Roseaux - Karl Arthur [2]
Michael Vedrine