Virtual Museum of COLONIALISM

In French Guiana, one of the most prominent figures to oppose colonialism and social injustice, and who is regarded by the people as a national hero, is Justin Catayée. Born in 1916 in French Guiana, Justin Catayée is recognized as one of the region’s most important political figures and gained national hero status for his steadfast anti-colonial struggle.

Catayée was actively engaged both in the field of education and in political life, dedicating himself to the defense of local people’s rights and the pursuit of social justice. During the 1950s, he occupied a distinctive and influential position in Guianese political life. In 1956, Justin Catayée founded the Guianese People’s Movement (Mouvement Populaire Guyanais – MPG), a political party whose primary objectives were to challenge French colonial administration, strengthen local self-governance, and put an end to social inequality.

In his speeches, Justin Catayée openly criticized the indifference of the French government in Paris toward French Guiana, demanding the protection of local people’s rights and the promotion of genuine economic development. In 1958, he was elected as a deputy to the French National Assembly, where he continued to actively raise the issues facing French Guiana and to oppose colonial policies.

His political engagement and public speeches earned him broad popular support, transforming him into a symbol of anti-colonial resistance. Tragically, in 1962, Justin Catayée lost his life in a plane crash. His death was a profound loss for the people of French Guiana, and he has since been remembered as a “martyr for freedom.”

His legacy remains deeply respected throughout the region. Schools, streets, and public institutions in French Guiana bear his name. Justin Catayée has left an enduring mark on both the national and political history of French Guiana, standing as one of the leading figures of the anti-colonial struggle and as a lasting symbol of the fight for rights, freedom, and dignity.