This is the comprehensive list of all the presidents who have served in Guyana since the establishment of the presidency in 1970, along with their respective terms and political affiliations:
No. | Name | Term Start | Term End | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Arthur Chung | 17 Mar 1970 | 6 Oct 1980 | PPP |
2 | Forbes Burnham | 6 Oct 1980 | 6 Aug 1985 | PNC |
3 | Desmond Hoyte | 6 Aug 1985 | 9 Oct 1992 | PNC |
4 | Cheddi Jagan | 9 Oct 1992 | 6 March 1997 | PPP |
5 | Sam Hinds | 6 Mar 1997 | 19 Dec 1997 | PPP |
6 | Janet Jagan | 19 Dec 1997 | 11 Aug 1999 | PPP |
7 | Bharrat Jagdeo | 11 Aug 1999 | 3 Dec 2011 | PPP |
8 | Donald Ramotar | 3 Dec 2011 | 16 May 2015 | PPP |
9 | David Granger | 16 May 2015 | 2 Aug 2020 | PNC |
10 | Irfaan Ali | 2 Aug 2020 | Present | PPP |
Who Was The First President Of Guyana?
The first President of Guyana was Arthur Chung. He was the head of state from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980. Chung was born in 1918 in Windsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara.
Arthur Chung attended Windsor Forest and Blankenburg Primary Schools for his early education. Later, he attended Modern High School.
After finishing school, he worked as an apprentice surveyor and became a sworn land surveyor. In 1945, Chung left British Guiana (now Guyana) to study law in London.
He became a barrister in 1947 and returned to his country in 1948. Then, he started practicing as a lawyer and, in 1953, was appointed as Acting Magistrate.
Over the years, he held various important positions such as Magistrate, Senior Magistrate, Registrar of Deeds, Registrar of the Supreme Court, Puisne Judge, and Judge in the Appeal Court by 1963.
Arthur Chung became the first President of Guyana when the country changed from a constitutional monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II to a republic on March 17, 1970.
He was an important figure during a time of big changes in Guyana’s society and economy after gaining independence.
Chung was also notable as the first ethnic Chinese president in a non-Asian country. People remembered him for bringing dignity and stability to the office, especially during the country’s transition from colonial rule to self-rule.
Sadly, Arthur Chung passed away on June 23, 2008, at the age of 90. He left behind his wife, Doreen, two children, and five grandchildren.
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Who Was The Second President Of Guyana?
Forbes Burnham was the second President of Guyana, having taken office on October 6, 1980, and served until he died on August 6, 1985.
Burnham was part of the People’s National Congress (PNC) political party. Before becoming president, he was the prime minister starting in 1964.
In 1980, a new constitution was adopted that made the presidency an executive role, and Burnham moved to this position.
During his leadership, Guyana moved away from being a democracy and became more authoritarian. The government had more control and there were fewer freedoms for the people.
Elections during this time were not considered free or fair, and human rights and civil liberties were restricted. Two high-profile political assassinations happened under Burnham’s rule, though he was not directly involved.
After Burnham’s death, Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte became president. Hoyte changed many of Burnham’s socialist policies and moved Guyana towards a market economy.
Businesses had more freedom, and there were more press freedoms. The next major election in Guyana was in 1992. It was the first election considered internationally free and fair since 1964.
Cheddi Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) won and became president. Jagan served until he died in 1997. After he died, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds briefly took over as acting president.
Jagan’s widow, Janet Jagan, was then elected president in 1997, but she resigned in 1999 due to health reasons. Finance Minister Bharrat Jagdeo succeeded Janet Jagan as president in 1999. He was elected in his own right in 2001 and 2006 and served until 2011.
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Who Is The Current President Of Guyana?
The current president of Guyana is Dr. Irfaan Ali. He has been in office since August 2, 2020. Dr. Ali is a member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
His election was not easy; it included a recount of votes because there were disputes over the election results. After the recount, he was sworn in as the tenth president of Guyana.
Dr. Irfaan Ali was born on April 25, 1980, in Leonora, a village in Guyana. He comes from a family of teachers and has a strong educational background, he has a doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the West Indies.
Also, he has several other degrees in business management and law. As president, Dr. Ali has focused on several important issues.
He is working on economic development, creating new jobs, and promoting local content policies. Recently, Dr. Ali was recognized as the Caribbean Global Leader for 2024.