Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (February 20 1923 - August 6 1985) was a Guyanese political leader.
Burnham, who was of African descent, was born in Kitty, East Demerara , Guyana. In 1950, he formed a left-wing party, the People's Progressive Party, along with Hindu labor leader Cheddi Jagan. Burnham and Jagan began feuding in 1955, and Burnham formed a more moderate party, the People's National Congress. Jagan's party began winning legislative elections, but came into conflict with British authorities, who changed the constitution so that Burnham could form a coalition government and become Premier of Guyana in 1964. Burnham led his country to independence from Britain and into the commonwealth in 1966. He at first pursued moderate policies, but in 1970, his policies became much more left-wing. He declared Guyana to be a "co-operative republic" and established strong relations with Cuba, the Soviet Union and other communist countries.
Burnham's policies became more dictatorial during the 1970s. He had a referendum passed in 1978 which made it harder for his party to lose power, with results which were believed by many to be fraudulent. In 1980 the constitution was changed to make the position of President stronger, and Burnham abandoned the position of Prime Minister to become President. He won the first Presidential elections in 1980, again with possibly fraudulent results. Burnham also became internationally notable for the Jonestown mass suicide, which occurred in Guyana in 1978, and which some blame partly on Burnham.
Burnham remained President of Guyana until his death. He died suddenly in Georgetown, Guyana.
Burnham also served as Guyana's first foreign minister from 1966 to 1972. He was married to Viola Burnham , who was also involved in politics.
