Rice is grown in Africa. During water drilling projects, oxen and ploughs were given to farmers to grown their food, including rice.
American slaves who might come from the same place as Guyanese slaves, took their traditions and food where they were taken. Cook-up is not only a Guyanese food.
We have a story telling club called Baloney on Bologna. It goes better with mustard. 
Instead of sitting behind a computer or use Google, some on GNI needs to get off their ass and travel to areas, that is not for tourist.