tribute to the Cayenne Botanical Garden for the 128th anniversary of his birth

Organized by the Society of Friends of Gaston Monnerville, this initiative coincides with the 128th anniversary of the birth of this exceptional statesman. Rodolphe Alexandre, historian and Monnerville specialist, praised the importance of this commemoration:

A long-time campaigner for the recognition of Monnerville, Rodolphe Alexandre also raised the idea of ​​possible pantheonization, while emphasizing that the primary objective is to rehabilitate his memory among the Guyanese.

Born in 1897 in Guyana, Gaston Monnerville began as a lawyer and was noted for his brilliant pleading during the Gallemot affair. Elected deputy for Guyana in 1932, he campaigned for the closure of Bagne in 1938, denouncing an institution that he described as ” shame “. During the Second World War, he joined the Resistance and worked for General de Gaulle's Free France.

Tribute to Gaston Monnerville: memory and republic

After the war, Monnerville became senator of Guyana and rose to the presidency of the Council of the Republic, playing a crucial role in the departmentalization of overseas territories. Twice, he could have become the first black president of the French Republic, but the racial prejudices of the time hampered his ambitions.

The Monnerville year will be marked by conferences, exhibitions and educational events to highlight his immense contribution to the history of Guyana and France.

This ambitious program aims to remind us that beyond racial prejudice, Gaston Monnerville remains an inspiration for generations to come.