Saint Joseph Parish, Dominica – the Layou River valley, the island's longest river
Saint Joseph on Dominica's west coast is shaped by the Layou River, the longest river on the island, whose valley has long been important for farming and travel between the coast and the interior. Most of the parish's villages lie along the coast, among them Salisbury (also called Baroui), Coulibistrie, Mero and Morne Raquette, while the small village of Belles sits inland. Saint Joseph Village, the largest settlement, even appeared on the big screen as a filming location for the 1988 film The Seventh Sign. Today about 5,800 people live in the parish, and its beaches and river attract visitors. Do you know stories from your village or the Layou valley? Share them with the community.