From canefield to commerce: a brief history of the Portuguese in Guyana

This is a short film based mainly on the research of the late Professor Sr. Noel Menezes. The title, "FromCanefield to Commerce", is taken from the first chapter of Sr. Noel’s book, The Portuguese of Guyana: a study in culture and conflict. This was the main source. An essay, entitled 'A brief history of the Portuguese in Guyana' published in Stabroek News in 2013 was a second source. Research by Dr. Jo-Anne Ferreira is used to provide the broader context for the mass migration of Portuguese to the Caribbean.
This film was first shown at Moray House Trust in September 2023 and also via a Zoom event in October 2023.
TIMELINE
00:22 Preface (from Dr. Jo-Anne Ferreira's research)
09:04 Arrival
14:33 A Mixed Reception
17:36 Religion
21:31 Portuguese Businesses
25:03 Clannish
32:13 Cultural Institutions
35:39 Identity
37:19 Food
39:29 Nicknames
41:40 Politics
43:43 Postcript (from Dr. Jo-Anne Ferreira's research)

[@consuelaprade]

Very insightful. My family from Madeira (Figueira) partly moved to Suriname from Guyana. I never really knew why, but I think it's because of riots and such. Thank you so much for this.

[@adamfrankowski2768]

Fascinating, wonderful photographs and lovely music.

[@jessegomes6366]

My grandfather was one of several Portugee born in Georgetown 😁💪🏼🇵🇹

[@Lululila67]

Im half Portuguese Spanish and we have Guyanese. (Distant.) Arabic, Egyptian, India/Indian, Congolese (black) and even Puerto rican. Ancestors were having a good time;)

[@joazinhonaguiana]

There`s so much history from our people and its` a pity that the Portuguese presence and culture dwindled to such inexpressive numbers nowadays.

[@trickydicky90]

Fascinating, my grandfather lived this life as described but later, from a little lad born in Madeira, sailed to Guyana turn of 1900s, set himself up as a businessman, owned saw mill, a cinemas, shops etc and then into politics.