Forbes Burnham

Forbes Burnham (1923-1985), prime minister (1964-1980) and president (1980-1985) of Guyana. He gained a law degree from the University of London, England, in 1947, and following his return to Guyana, he formed the People's Progressive party with the left-wing labour leader Cheddi Jagan in 1950. In 1955 he broke with Jagan and founded the more moderate People's National Congress. Together with British backing, he formed a coalition government with a small right-wing party in 1964, thus preventing Jagan from becoming prime minister. Burnham led the nation to independence from British rule in 1966. From 1970 onwards he began following more socialist policies, establishing relations with Cuba and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and nationalizing Candian- and American-owned bauxite mines and British-owned sugar plantations and refineries (1971-1976). He remained prime minister until 1980, when he became president under a constitution that concentrated most executive, legislative, and military powers in the office of the president. Burnham held the presidency until his death.