The position of Speaker was introduced in 1953 following constitutional reforms that created the House of Assembly.

The Speaker was initially appointed by the Governor, but following the 1961 constitutional reforms, was elected by members of the legislature.

The first elected Speaker, Rahman Baccus Gajraj, was not a member of the Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker initially wore a full-bottomed wig and ceremonial gown, with the practice ceasing in 1969.

[2] The Speaker's Chair was a gift from the Government of India on 15 November 1966 to celebrate Guyanese independence.