CaribWorldNews, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. June 24, 2008: Guyana’s first president, Arthur Raymond Chung, has died. He was 90 years old.
A statement from Guyana’s Office of the President said he had been ‘ailing for some weeks now.’
Chung, a former high court judge, served as president from 1970 to 1980, when the office changed from one that was largely ceremonial to one which held executive power.
After his retirement, he withdrew from the national spotlight, dividing his time between England and Guyana.
Chung was also the first Guyanese president of Chinese descent.
‘As we mourn his passing let us take comfort in the former president’s exemplary lifestyle, as a person of great wisdom, warmth and integrity particularly committed to Guyana. His leadership, conviction and courage earned him the love and admiration of the Guyanese people,’ said the president’s statement.
