Cultural Association Protests to Revitalize Creole Building in French Guiana
Demonstrators gathered outside the abandoned Le Chéri restaurant to advocate for its transformation into a traditional cultural space.
Late on the evening of October 31, numerous individuals gathered outside the former Le Chéri restaurant located at Anse Châton in French Guiana. The demonstration was organized by the local cultural association "Bouton d'or" to demand the restoration and revitalization of the deteriorating Creole property, which currently belongs to the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana (CTG) and is occupied by squatters.
Led by prominent local cultural figure Gueguette, members of the association proposed that the abandoned building be converted into a "konvwé hall." According to the organizers, the goal is to establish a dedicated rehearsal, transmission, and performance venue for traditional groups across the region.
During the gathering, Bouton d'or president Jérémy Narainin addressed the crowd from a microphone. He pointed toward individuals occupying the house who were watching from a window, clarifying that the protest was not intended to force anyone out. "We are not here to put anyone out today. These people are victims of a system. They are also taking advantage of a failing system," Narainin stated, adding that the community has spent years waiting for a konvwé hall to benefit the local culture.
Two vice-presidents of the CTG, along with other local figures, arrived at the scene to converse with the demonstrators. The presence of the officials was welcomed by the public as a sign of openness to dialogue.
Thibault Lechat-Vega, the first vice-president of the CTG, addressed the crowd regarding their proposal. He stated that the president of the collectivity would receive the organizers to review the dossier, affirming, "We are in favor, we just need to identify together a suitable piece of land."
The history of the site dates back to the first quarter of 2022, when the CTG launched a call for expressions of interest to promote the heritage building. A project proposed by restorer Alain Eoche was initially selected to rehabilitate the former house into a restaurant.
However, the initiative faced intense public backlash after construction work allegedly began without prior authorization or a building permit issued by the local authorities. The project was ultimately canceled and permanently halted following the death of Alain Eoche in January 2025.
Following the discussions with the regional officials, the demonstration at the site continued late into the night, accompanied by traditional drumming.