From Guyana to Turks & Caicos: one woman’s kitchen serves up a taste of home

In the heart of the Turks and Caicos Islands, where tourists usually flock for the sun, sand, and sea, a small kitchen serves up the familiar taste of home.

Sueann Archer, a Guyanese-born woman who lives in Providenciales, is the proud owner of “Guyanese Tasty Dishes,” a cuisine hub that offers islanders and tourists alike the delicious taste of Guyanese culture.

With a guarantee of freshly cooked food that is served daily, Archer is keeping the culture of Guyana alive far from home.

Her love for cooking was passed down from her mother, who rarely ever missed an opportunity to cook—whether for family or friends.

“Since I was growing up in Guyana, I always loved cooking. I always watch my mom cooking, and I got into cooking, [with] my first food that I cooked, [when] I was 11 years old, I cooked chowmein,” Archer recalled.

The businesswoman also shared that shortly after migrating to the island, she found her calling in the kitchen, preparing the food she enjoyed while growing up in Guyana.

“I came as a teacher, because I studied [in Guyana]; and so[back home] I was a teacher. [When] I came over, I was teaching for a few years, but the cooking was [something I did on the] side, but then I branched off to [cooking] full time,” Archer explained.

When asked what makes her business stand out in the tourism destination, Archer said locals share considerable appreciation for the exquisite Guyanese cuisine she serves.

“Oh, they love it, especially the roti and curry; that is the Islanders’ favourite. They love roti and curry. When they order, they order five or six rotis. They love the pastries. Yes, they love that,” Archer said.

Because of Archer’s culinary abilities, she is not just selling food; she has singlehandedly become an ambassador promoting Guyana’s heritage, memory, and culture.

Archer’s story represents the vision behind Guyana’s tourism drive, where food and culture—even in the diaspora—become a mirror that reflects what the country has to offer.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and other cultural agencies support Guyanese abroad in promoting the nation’s heritage.

With initiatives like Guyana Restaurant Week, along with overseas food festivals, there is an opportunity for businesses like Archer’s to be savoured on the global stage.

Her cooking transforms food, rich with spices and unique flavours, into a form of liberation, with each dish becoming a testament to Guyana’s distinctive story, carved with passion and served with pride.

When Guyanese cuisine is shared with family, friends, and customers abroad, there is a greater understanding that being Guyanese is not defined just by geography.

As the world continues to discover the rich flavours and cultural tapestry of Guyana, stories like Archer’s continue to prove that culture, when promoted and preserved, can transcend oceans and touch hearts. (DPI)

Sueann Archer