In all of his ministerial positions, Hoyte was a part of the movement of the Burnham administration towards a planned economy,[1] particularly in his role as the Minister of Economic Development during the nationalization of the bauxite and sugar industries following the 1974 Declaration of Sophia.

[7] In August 1984, Hoyte became Prime Minister and first Vice President, replacing Hamilton Green, who was widely seen at the time as Burnham's preference for successor.

[1] Hoyte suffered a personal tragedy in 1985 when his two daughters Amanda and Maxine died in a car crash while traveling on 30 April to hear him deliver the May Day address in the town of Linden.

[1] Shortly before Burnham's death, he and other members of the PNC had embarked on talks with the opposition People's Progressive Party attempting to achieve a national unity formula to deal with the country's problems[citation needed].

[10] Immediately after becoming President, Hoyte removed bans on imported food items and opened Guyana to greater international trade.

[11] In July 1987, he hosted the President of the African National Congress, Oliver Tambo, for a four-day visit, highlighting the close links Guyana maintained with the liberation struggle in Southern Africa.

He also invited foreign investment and made peace with the International Monetary Fund, which angered others in his party.

[1] During Hoyte's tenure, Guyana's significant sugar industry saw a revival, and the economically important Omai Mine was opened and began production.

[3] Hoyte announced significant electoral reforms in 1990 prior to the 1992 election, influenced by former US President Jimmy Carter.

[1] The October 1992 election was won by the People's Progressive Party, led by Cheddi Jagan; Hoyte conceded defeat.

[citation needed] In opposition, Hoyte obstructed several initiatives proposed by the ruling party, including constitutional changes and the establishment of a commission on race relations.

[26] Hoyte and his family had a residence on North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, which was converted into a museum and library in his honour in 2016.