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 (official) Guyanese Creole Native languages Akawaio Macushi Waiwai Arawakan family Patamona Warrau Carib Wapishana Arekuna
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 and 23 February 1970.

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:

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, 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.