Viewing of the body of Guyana’s first President, the late Mr. Arthur Raymond Chung, O.E., took place yesterday in the foyer of the National Cultural Centre.

Draped in the Golden Arrowhead, the casket bearing the mortal remains of the former Ceremonial President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces was mounted on a burgundy carpet in the foyer of the National Cultural Centre, in a garden-like atmosphere.

A contingent of ranks from the Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Police Force was in attendance.

Viewing by members of the public commenced at 9:30h and continued until about 15:00h.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Government ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other dignitaries signed the Book of Condolence, and they all filed past the casket paying their last respects to the late President.

Also seated in the foyer were bereaved family members: wife of the deceased -Mrs. Doreen Chung; son – Dr. Raymond Arthur Chung (Jnr); daughter – Mrs. Diane Belshaw and her husband Dr. Nicholas Belshaw, while sympathizers moved close to offer their condolences.

Born 1918 at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, Arthur Chung became the first President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on March 17, 1970, and served until October 6, 1980.

He was conferred with the Order of Excellence (OE) of Guyana in 1980. He died at his West Demerara home last Monday, at the age of 90.