Guyana was a predecessor to the modern-day Co-operative Republic of Guyana and an independent state that existed between 1966 and 1970.

History

British rule ended on 26 May 1966 when Guyana was given independence from the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

by the Guyana Independence Act 1966, which transformed

British Guiana British Guiana was a British colony, part of the mainland British West Indies. It was located on the northern coast of South America. Since 1966 it has been known as the independent nation of Guyana. The first known Europeans to encounter Guia ...

into an independent

sovereign state A sovereign state is a State (polity), state that has the highest authority over a territory. It is commonly understood that Sovereignty#Sovereignty and independence, a sovereign state is independent. When referring to a specific polity, the ter ...

, with

Elizabeth II Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 19268 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II, her death in 2022. ...

as Queen of Guyana. The monarch's constitutional roles were mostly delegated to her representative Governor-General of Guyana.

Forbes Burnham Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (20 February 1923 – 6 August 1985) was a Guyanese politician and the leader of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana from 1964 until his death in 1985. He served as Prime Minister of Guyana, Premier of British Guia ...

held office as the prime minister (and head of government) of Guyana during this period. The Republic of Guyana was formed on 23 February 1970 when Guyana became a republic in the Commonwealth. Following the abolition of the monarchy, former Governor-General Sir Edward Luckhoo provisionally became the de facto acting head of state of Guyana.

Governors-general

The following governors-general held office: # Sir Richard Luyt (26 May 1966–16 December 1966) # Sir David Rose (16 December 1966–10 November 1969) # Sir Edward Luckhoo (10 November 1969–1 July 1970)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Guyana (1966-1970) Former Commonwealth realms Government of Guyana Guyana and the Commonwealth of Nations

Monarchy A monarchy is a form of government in which a person, the monarch, reigns as head of state for the rest of their life, or until abdication. The extent of the authority of the monarch may vary from restricted and largely symbolic (constitutio ...

Political history of Guyana 1966 establishments in Guyana 1970 disestablishments in Guyana States and territories established in 1966 States and territories disestablished in 1970 Former monarchies of South America