1616 Dutch established colony in Essequibo River with Headquarters at Kyk-Over-Al, followed by Second and third colonies in Berbice and Demerara respectively 1814 Finally ceded to Britain by the Netherlands after severl exchanges between them 1831 Colonies consolidated into British Guiana 1953 First elections under Universal Adult Suffrage 1961 Elections held under self-governing constitution. Dr Cheddi Jagan, first Premier 1962-64 Prolonged labour and racial unrest, Fresh elections under Proportional Representation, Linden Forbes Samson Burnham becomes Premier 1966 Independence achieved, LFS Burnham, first Prime Minister 1970 Republican status, Arthur Chung, first President 1980 New constitution established, LFS Burnham elected first Executive President 1992 PPP regains power. Party leader Cheddi B. Jagan elected President