The New Roseau Market (NRM) was established by an act of parliament (The New Roseau Market Act) in 1971. It replaced the Old Dawbiny Market in downtown Roseau as the premier retail outlet for the sale of fresh produce in the city.

Under the Act, the NRM was given responsibility for the vending and regulation of all marketable commodities within a 1 mile radius of the city of Roseau.

When first established, the Roseau Town Council was assigned management responsibility over the market. However in 1986 that function was turned over to DEXIA. As the Roseau Market Authority, DEXIA is responsible for the strategic direction and overall development of the market.

However its day-to-day operations and management is under the direction of the Roseau Market Superintendent. He is assisted by a staff complement that includes a clerk, one handyman and four sanitary workers.

As the largest fresh food retail outlet on the island, the NRM plays a very significant role in linking the rural and urban economies and is critical to the development of agriculture.

On average, some 350 farmers and vendors from across Dominica converge on the market every Saturday to sell their fruits, vegetables and other marketable commodities.

And given an average household size of three, more than 1000 persons directly depend on the business conducted at the market for their sustainable livelihoods. At the same time hundreds of households and a number of restaurants throughout Roseau depend on the NRM for their weekly supplies of quality fresh produce.