Guyanese in French Guiana

Introduction / History

The Guyanese are not defined by ethnicity as much as by being a citizen of Guyana. There is a good reason for this. They might have Native American, African, Chinese, Portuguese, French, British, or South Asian blood. Even their language, Guyanese English Creole, is a hybrid language.

Centuries ago there were Native Americans in Guyana. Then the Dutch arrived, followed by the French, and finally the British. Once they established sugar cane plantations, the British recruited indentured laborers from China and India. They brought slaves from Africa until abolishing slavery in 1807. Guyana gained her independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.

Most remain in Guyana, but some have migrated to neighboring Suriname and French Guiana. Others have migrated to Canada or the United States.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In the South American countries of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, they have retained more of their culture than in Canada, or the U.S. In French Guiana, the people have the ultimate fusion cuisine—they blend cooking styles from India, China, Europe, and South America!

What Are Their Beliefs?

Guyanese people can be Protestant or Roman Catholic. They have been reached with the gospel; they are well-equipped to take Christ to others.

What Are Their Needs?

What they need most is spiritual renewal and revival.

Prayer Points

Pray for a powerful revival in Guyanese churches, giving them hearts that want to please the Lord through mission service.
Pray that soon Guyanese disciples will joyfully make disciples of those who have little or no access to the gospel.
Pray for them to look only to the Lord for their spiritual and material blessings.

Text Source:   Joshua Project