PRESIDENTS of Guyana T
he Prime Minister Forbes Burnham was the Head of State when Guyana gained independence in 1966. After the country became a Republic in 1970, the position of Presidency was added and Arthur Chung was named the country’s first President. Later in 1980, and a new constitution, the title of Executive President was added as the head of state, replacing Prime Minister. Forbes Burnham was named the country’s first Executive President.
Presidential Oath of Office
“I, _____________________ , do hereby solemnly declare that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the people of Guyana; that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana without fear or favour, affection or ill will; and that in the execution of the functions of that office I will honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.”
Arthur Chung
(January 10, 1918 – June 23, 2008)
He also served as Registrar of Deeds of the Supreme Court and then a Puisne Judge. He then served as an Appeal Court Judge in 1963. Under the leadership of Forbes Burnham and at a time when Guyana had become a republic state, Arthur Chung was elected President by the National Assembly on 17th March 1970. In 1980 after a constitutional revision transformed the presidency into an executive position, Forbes Burnham succeeded Arthur Chung as President.
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (20 February, 1923 – 6 August,1985)
President of Guyana from 1970 to 1980. He was awarded the Order of Excellence (O.E.) He was the youngest of eight children born to Joseph and Lucy Chung in Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara. He attended Windsor Forest, Blankenburg and Modern High School. He married Doreen Pamela Ng-See-Quan in 1954, and had one son. Chung started off his career as a young apprentice surveyor and sworn land surveyor. In the early 1940s, Chung qualified as a barrister after studying in London in 1947. On his return to Guyana, he was appointed acting magistrate and in 1954 he became magistrate followed by senior magistrate in 1960.
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GUYANA: THE GROWTH OF A NATION
President from 6th October 1980 to 6th August 1985. He was Prime Minister from 1964 to 1980.