Arthur Chung facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Raymond Chung
OE
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| 1st President of Guyana | |
| In office 17 March 1970 – 6 October 1980 |
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| Prime Minister | Forbes Burnham |
| Preceded by | Edward Luckhoo (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Forbes Burnham |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 January 1918 Windsor Forest, Demerara, British Guiana |
| Died | 23 June 2008 (aged 90) Georgetown, Guyana |
| Resting place | Guyana Botanical Gardens |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Doreen Chung (1954–2008; his death) |
| Alma mater | Middle Temple |
Arthur Raymond Chung (born January 10, 1918 – died June 23, 2008) was a very important leader in Guyana. He served as the first President of Guyana from 1970 to 1980. He was also the first head of state of Chinese background in a country outside of Asia. Guyana honored him with its highest award, the Order of Excellence. Chung played a key role in Guyana's journey to become independent from British rule.
Contents
Early Life and His Path to Law
Arthur Chung was born in Windsor Forest, which was then called British Guiana. He was the youngest of eight children. His father, Joseph, came from China, and his mother, Lucy, was from Trinidad. Arthur went to school in Windsor Forest and later in Georgetown.
In 1954, he married Doreen Pamela Ng-See-Quan. They had one daughter and one son together.
Before becoming a lawyer, Chung worked as a surveyor, measuring land. In the early 1940s, he went to London, England, to study law. He became a lawyer in 1947. After returning to Guyana, he started working as a magistrate, which is like a judge. He later became a senior magistrate and then a judge in the Appeal Court in 1963.
Becoming Guyana's First President
In 1970, Guyana became a republic. This meant it would have its own President instead of the British monarch as its head of state. The National Assembly chose Arthur Chung to be the country's first President. He officially started his role on March 17, 1970.
For ten years, President Chung's role was mostly ceremonial. This means he was the official head of state, but the real power was held by the Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham. In 1980, the constitution changed, making the President's role more powerful. Forbes Burnham then became the new President.
During his time as President, Guyana made an important step in foreign relations. On June 27, 1972, Guyana officially started diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. This made Guyana the first English-speaking Caribbean country to do so. In 1977, President Chung even visited China and met with its Premier, Hua Guofeng.
Later Years and Passing
Arthur Chung passed away on June 23, 2008, at his home in Georgetown. He was 90 years old. Before his death, he had been in the hospital several times.
A week after he passed, he was buried at the Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens in Guyana.
Remembering His Legacy
In 2015, the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) was renamed the "Arthur Chung Convention Centre." This was done to honor him and his important role in Guyana's history. The President at the time, David A. Granger, said it was important to remember the first President. He also noted that Arthur Chung was the first person of Chinese descent to be a President in a non-Asian country, which was a historic achievement. The convention center was renovated and reopened in June 2018.
Images for kids
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The Presidential Standard used during Arthur Chung's time as President.
See also
In Spanish: Arthur Chung para niños
