Here is a complete list of all the presidents of Guyana since the role was created in 1970, including their time in office and political parties:
Table of Contents:
| No. | Name | Start Date | End Date | Political 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 Mar 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 Guyana’s First President?
Arthur Chung was Guyana’s first president, serving from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980. Born in 1918 in Windsor Forest, Demerara, he was a trailblazer in the country’s history.
Chung went to primary schools in Windsor Forest and Blankenburg, then studied at Modern High School in Guyana.
After school, he trained as a surveyor and worked as one before traveling to London in 1945 to study law.
In 1947, he became a barrister and returned to Guyana in 1948 to practice law. By 1953, he was an Acting Magistrate.
Chung climbed the ranks, serving as a Magistrate, Senior Magistrate, Registrar of Deeds, Supreme Court Registrar, Puisne Judge, and Appeal Court Judge by 1963.
In 1970, Guyana became a republic, moving away from British rule under Queen Elizabeth II. Chung was chosen as the first president, a historic moment for the nation.
He played a key role during Guyana’s early years as an independent nation, helping guide the country through social and economic changes.
Chung was also the first ethnic Chinese president of a non-Asian country, bringing pride and stability to Guyana during its shift to self-governance.
Arthur Chung passed away on June 23, 2008, at age 90, survived by his wife, Doreen, two children, and five grandchildren.
Who Was Guyana’s Second President?
Forbes Burnham became Guyana’s second president on October 6, 1980, and served until his death on August 6, 1985.
Burnham, a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), was Guyana’s prime minister from 1964 before becoming president.
In 1980, a new constitution made the presidency a more powerful role, and Burnham took on this position.
Under his leadership, Guyana leaned toward authoritarian rule, with the government controlling more aspects of life and limiting freedoms.
Elections during Burnham’s time were often criticized as unfair, and there were restrictions on human rights and free speech. Two notable political assassinations occurred, though Burnham was not directly linked to them.
After Burnham’s death, Desmond Hoyte, the prime minister, became president. Hoyte shifted away from Burnham’s policies, opening up the economy and allowing more press freedom.
In 1992, Guyana held its first internationally recognized fair election since 1964. Cheddi Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) won and became president until his death in 1997.
After Jagan’s death, Prime Minister Sam Hinds briefly served as acting president. Janet Jagan, Cheddi’s widow, was elected president in 1997 but stepped down in 1999 due to health issues.
Bharrat Jagdeo, the Finance Minister, became president in 1999 and was later elected in 2001 and 2006, serving until 2011.
Who Is Guyana’s Current President?
Dr. Irfaan Ali is Guyana’s current president, serving since August 2, 2020. He is part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
His election faced challenges, with disputes over the vote count leading to a recount. After the recount, Ali was sworn in as Guyana’s tenth president.
Born on April 25, 1980, in Leonora, Guyana, Ali grew up in a family of educators. He holds a doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the West Indies, along with degrees in business management and law.
As president, Ali focuses on growing Guyana’s economy, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses. In 2024, he was honored as the Caribbean Global Leader.
