Chinese-built convention center renamed after Arthur Chung

May 21, 2015 News

The Guyana International Conference Center (GICC) at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, has been renamed the Arthur Chung Convention Center.

The Guyana International Conference Center at Liliendaal has been renamed Arthur Chung Convention Center.

Making the announcement yesterday, President David Granger during a meeting with Heads of Department, said that the timing could not have been more appropriate, with Guyana on the verge of celebrating its 49th Independence anniversary and recent 45th Republic celebrations on February 23rd.
Arthur Chung was the first President of Guyana, serving from 1970 to 1980. He died in 2008 at the age of 90.
He was the first ethnic Chinese (Hakka) Head of State in a non-Asian country. 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 awarded Guyana’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence.
According to President Granger, the name change could not be more appropriate especially with the convention center being built by Chinese.