Arthur Chung ( January 10 , 1918 -- June 23 , 2008 ) was the first President of Guyana from 1970 to 1980 . During his time as President of Guyana , the office was that of a ceremonial head of state , with real power in the hands of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham . He was honoured with Guyana 's highest national honour , the Order of Excellence ( O.E. ) .

Question: who was the first executive president of guyana
Answer: Arthur Chung