The Alliance Française of Guyana is part of a worldwide associative network created more than 135 years ago in Paris, established in 133 countries and welcoming nearly 500,000 learners every year.
We, at Alliance Francaise Guyana, remain dedicated to supporting the growth of Francophonie in Georgetown and offer a wide range of programs, courses, and events to promote French language learning, cultural exchange, and intercultural dialogue.
We believe in the power of cultural exchange to bridge communities and foster mutual understanding. Through our diverse range of events and initiatives, we promote vibrant Franco-Guyanese cultural exchanges across generations.
DIRECTOR,
Deborah First-Quao
Deborah is a native of Ghana, in West Africa, who pursued her higher education in Paris, France – studying Communications and Marketing at the American University of Paris, and Business at the IAE Graduate School of Management. For her love of the French language, she completed diplomas in French Studies at the University of Cote D’Azur in Nice. She has a professional background in Teaching Business English, and tutored many working professionals and children during her 8 year residence in France. Since Deborah has a strong passion for languages and teaching, as well as event management, serving the Alliance Francaise of Guyana seemed to be a natural fit. Now a French citizen, she hopes to create opportunities for people in Georgetown to learn French and experience Francophone culture in all its forms around the world. During her tenure as Director, in addition to organizing events that bring people together around French culture, she is particularly interested in creating cultural exchange initiatives that target the youth.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Alliance Française de Guyana is overseen by a volunteer and locally based Exective Board elected by the society’s voting members. The last Annual General Assembly Meeting and elections were held in June 2024.
PRESIDENT, Omodele George
Dee George was born and raised in Guyana and has been committed to the revival of the Alliance Francaise of Guyana. Co-founder and Director of Herdmanston Lodge, a Guyanese-owned boutique hotel as well as President of the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana, Dee brings her expertise in Business and community building to the Alliance. Her goals include welcoming new and existing French speakers and enthusiasts to the language and culture while in Guyana.
Dee also serves as a Director on the Protected Areas Commission and the Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce. Passionate about community development and enhancement, Dee is also a Trustee on the board of Uncle Eddie’s Home and a member of the Rotary Club of Stabroek.
VICE PRESIDENT,
Stuart Defreitas
Simon Stuart de Freitas brings a wealth of experience in international relations, business, and systems automation. As Vice-President of Alliance Française Guyana, Stuart leverages his extensive background in humanitarian work, having collaborated with governments on initiatives aligned with the Order of Malta’s values. His career spans roles in real estate development, corporate board leadership, and managing global teams. Stuart is passionate about fostering cultural exchanges and is an advocate for education and inclusion, particularly for special needs children. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, running, and exploring diverse cultures.
SECRETARY,
Dreylan Johnson
Dreylan Johnson is a Chevening Scholar and alumnus of the University of Sussex, where she graduated with an MA in Cultural and Creative Industries. She joined the Alliance in 2023 as a language student, but has since acquired a deeper appreciation for the French language and culture after connecting with the community through the centre’s activities. This connection inspired her to run for the role of Secretary, to help advance the Alliance’s mandate. A writer, copy editor and researcher, she spends her free time supporting and organising ventures related to the literary and performing arts.
TREASURER,
Renny Rachel Dos Santos
Renny Rachel Dos Santos is Guyanese with a strong passion for both language and business. Her journey with the Alliance Française of Guyana began in 2013 when she joined as a student, eager to immerse herself in the French language and culture. Over the years, her dedication to the organization led her to become a member, and she ultimately served as Treasurer from October 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024.
In addition to her contributions to the Alliance, Renny is the Accountant for SAWA Investment Inc., a leading construction company in Guyana. She also serves as Accountant/Director at Sommet Solutions Inc., a firm offering legal and other professional services. In 2022, Renny founded RRD Accounting Services, where she provides accounting and bookkeeping services to businesses and individuals, reflecting her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to supporting her community.
ASST. SECRETARY/
TREASURER
Jean Francois Gerin
Jean Francois is a franco-guyanese who was born in the French Alps. He studied Applied Languages to Agro-Industry at the University of Clermont Ferrant in Auvergne, France. Upon completing his degree he was sent to Guyana in 1989 by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to serve as « Linguistic Attache in Guyana » for the French embassy to Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana. He taught French as a lecturer at the University of Guyana and promoted French culture and languages in secondary schools for eighteen months. During this time he was approched by Dr Joycelyn Loncke to participate with a group of dedicated « francophiles » in reviving the Alliance Francaise in 1989. He has been a Patron ever since.
Jean Francois enjoyed Guyana, the country and the people.
Therefore, he only spent a few months back in France after completing his first mission. He returned to Guyana early 1991 to work with Amazon Caribbean Guyana Ltd, unique French investment in Organic agro-industry where he served as GM until 2023. During his first mission, he had been visiting the interior of Guyana, « drinking creek water and eating labba ». And in 1993, he married his Amerindian sweet heart, Tamara, strengthening his ties with Guyana.
He returned to France once again in 2003 and started his own language institute, JFG enterprises, where he taught English, French and Russian for 8 years, providing much needed support to French people considering expatriate positions all over the world. He also provided IT training for pensioners and grand-parents to help bridge their digital generation gap in the country.
However, his love for Guyana found him looking for a way to return. He accepted an opportunity with the new owners of Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited, producer of organic hearts of palm, pineapple, acai and fruit juice. He currently serves as their CEO. Jean Francois served as President of the Alliance Française from 2015 – 2017. He is also Conseiller du Commerce Extérieur de la France in Guyana. Given his extensive experience living and working in Guyana he was appointed Honorary Consul of France in 2019 and will serve in that position until the opening of the French Embassy in Guyana in September 2025.
EXECUTIVE MEMBER
Dr. Toyib Amusa
Toyib Amusa was born in the West African French speaking country, Ivory Coast. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in BioChemistry in Nigeria in 2017. To expand his opportunities, he completed a DALF (French language diploma) in Nigeria with hopes of pursuing his higher education in France but ended up doing a Masters in Public Health in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. By that time, he hoped to pursue an Medical Degree, and while researching educational institutions, discovered Lincoln American University in Georgetown. While studying there, he got involved in the Alliance Francaise to connect with other French speaker and even ended up teaching the A1 Level class. Toyib has participated in medical outreach programs to help remote villages such as La Grange and Berbice to combat diabetes and hypertension and has also assisted with rehabilitation programs. Outside work, he enjoys traveling, reading, and exercising.