Guyanese in United States

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. When Guyana became independent, many migrated to Canada or the United States. There are almost as many Guyanese in the United States are there are in Guyana. It started with women who came as domestic servants. They are most likely to be found in New York City.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In the United States, the Guyanese have their own associations for nurses, and for police officers. They gravitate to Caribbean people for social events. Guyanese people have made an impact in the U.S. through business, law, academics, and medicine, but mainly through popular music.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Guyanese people can be Protestant or Roman Catholic. In the U.S. the Guyanese even have their own churches. 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