Published: 27th of October, 2024
Last updated: October 27, 2024 at 20:41 pmHere is a list of the Guyanese heads of state after independence in chronological order, with their years served and positions:
1. Arthur Chung
Position: President (Ceremonial)
Years Served: 1970–1980
Guyana became a republic in 1970, and Chung was the first ceremonial president.
2. Forbes Burnham
Position: Prime Minister (1966–1980), Executive President (1980–1985)
Years Served: 1966–1985
Burnham led Guyana to independence in 1966 as Prime Minister. In 1980, he became the first Executive President after the constitution was amended to make the presidency an executive position.
3. Desmond Hoyte
Position: Executive President
Years Served: 1985–1992
Hoyte took over after Burnham’s death in 1985.
4. Cheddi Jagan
Position: Executive President
Years Served: 1992–1997
Jagan was elected in the country’s first free elections since 1964.
5. Sam Hinds (Acting President)
Position: Acting Executive President
Years Served: March 6–December 19, 1997
Hinds briefly served as acting president after Jagan’s death in 1997.
6. Janet Jagan
Position: Executive President
Years Served: 1997–1999
Janet Jagan, wife of Cheddi Jagan, succeeded him after elections but resigned due to health issues.
7. Bharrat Jagdeo
Position: Executive President
Years Served: 1999–2011
Jagdeo assumed office after Janet Jagan resigned and was later elected for two terms.
8. Donald Ramotar
Position: Executive President
Years Served: 2011–2015
Ramotar served one term as president.
9. David Granger
Position: Executive President
Years Served: 2015–2020
Granger was elected in 2015 and served until 2020.
10. Irfaan Ali
Position: Executive President
Years Served: 2020–present
Ali is the current president of Guyana, having taken office in 2020.
Who is your favorite Guyanese head of state, and why? Tell us in the comments.