Guyana (Commonwealth realm)

Guyana
Commonwealth realm
1966–1970
Flag Coat of arms
Motto
"One people, one nation, one destiny"
Anthem
Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains
Capital Georgetown
Languages English
Guyanese Creole
Government Constitutional monarchy
Queen
   1966–1970 Elizabeth II
Governor-General
  1966 Richard Luyt
  1966–1969 David Rose
  1966–1970 Edward Luckhoo
Prime Minister
  1966–1970 Forbes Burnham
Historical era Cold War
   Independence 26 May 1966
   Republic 23 February 1970
Currency Guyanese dollar
Preceded by
Succeeded by
British Guiana
Guyana

The Commonwealth realm of Guyana, officially known as "Guyana", was a predecessor to the modern-day Guyana and an independent state that existed between 26 May 1966[1] and 23 February 1970.[2][3]

British rule ended in 1966, when Guyana was given independence as a Commonwealth realm by the Guyana Independence Act 1966 which transformed the British Crown Colony of British Guiana into the independent sovereign constitutional monarchy of Guyana with the British monarch as head of state. Guyana shared the Sovereign with the other Commonwealth realms, and the monarch's constitutional roles were mostly delegated to the Governor-General of Guyana. The royal succession was governed by the English Act of Settlement of 1701. The following governors-generals held office in Guyana during the dominion period:

  1. Sir Richard Luyt (26 May 1966 – 16 December 1966)
  2. Sir David Rose (16 December 1966 – 10 November 1969)
  3. Sir Edward Luckhoo (10 November 1969 – 1 July 1970)

Elizabeth II did not reside in or visit Guyana during its time as a Commonwealth realm.

The Republic of Guyana came into existence on 23 February 1970,[3] when Guyana became a republic within the Commonwealth.

Forbes Burnham held office as prime minister (and head of government) of Guyana during this period. Following the abolition of the monarchy, former Governor-General Sir Edward Luckhoo provisionally became the first President of Guyana.

References

  1. "Guyana Independence Act 1966". Legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  2. "Guyana Republic Act 1970". Legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Guyana Republic Bill". TheyWorkForYou.com. Retrieved 26 May 2013.

External links

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