Words by Jesse Serwer
Photos by Martei Korley
Our series of photo essays showcasing life and culture in Dominica, the Caribbean’s Nature Island, continues with a visit to Galion, one of the island’s highest and most remote villages.
Galion is one of the least visited and most out-of-the-way villages in Dominica, located on a volcanic crater above the fishing towns of Scott’s Head and Soufriere, on the south of the island. Though tourists and locals from other parts of the island rarely make it here, it’s worth seeking out, and about as perfect of a place as there is to end a day.
Lured by the promise of one of the best views in Dominica, a place blessed with an abundance of great views, we drove to Galion after an afternoon on Soufriere Bay, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic. Though word of a view to nearby Martinique proved untrue, the vista that unfolds from Viewpoint Galion was like finding a window to the edge of the world. What’s more, the lookout was on the property of the warm and welcoming Marcellus Xavier, who helped to build the road that only in recent decades has begun to service Galion.
Given its altitude, it’s surprising to learn that the chief occupation in Galion is crabbing. The heights of Morne Patates, the 960-meter (3,150-foot) volcanic mountain that rises above the village, are home to an abundant population of massive land crabs, which Marcellus’ wife Cecilia sells each week at the market in Roseau. After an end-of-the-day reasoning with Marcellus, Cecilia and friends, Marcellus gave us a tour of his backyard—surely one of the most spectacular yards to be found anywhere—and showed us some of his prized crab catches, before inviting us in to his home for a nightcap.
Scroll through for Martei Korley’s photo series documenting a day in the life at Point Galion.
The view of Soufriere Bay from Viewpoint Galion, with the village of Soufriere at right, is one of the Nature Island’s most spectacular, especially right before sunset .
Marcellus Xavier holding court with Miguel “Bob” Ismael of Mahaut village, and friend
Belfast Estates’ Soca is the preferred white rum for end-of-the-day reasonings
Who needs TV when this is your backyard?
Marcellus shows off a pair of Galion’s prized land crabs
Marcellus and his domain: a frontrunner for the world’s most spectacular backyard.
Marcellus’ wife, Cecilia
Marcellus tells the story of a near-death experience that resulted in a scar bisecting his torso
Titanic plays on the TV in the Xaviers’ front room, decorated in a typical Dominican style