It was designed by Whitney Smith, an American vexillologist (though originally without the black and white fimbriations, which were later additions suggested by the College of Arms in the United Kingdom).

The naval ensign of Guyana is a version of the national flag, with proportions of 1:2.

As part of the British Empire, Guyana's flag was a Blue Ensign with the colonial badge in the fly.

[3] Like all British Ensigns, the colonial flags of Guyana were all ratio 1:2.

The Presidential Standard of Guyana came into effect by Proclamation issued on 23 February 1970.