The University of Warwick in England on Monday honoured former Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman Yesu Persaud for his stellar contribution to the development of global education and unveiled a brand-new state-of-the-art lecture theatre bearing his name.
The simple reception was held in the Demerara Bank auditorium on Monday, and esteemed Guyanese scholars and Warwick University representatives showered Persaud with praise for his contribution towards the advancement of education, both globally and locally.
Guyanese scholar, Professor David Dabydeen, of the Office of the President at the University of Warwick, said that the Yesu Persaud Lecture Theatre symbolises the longstanding relationship between Persaud and the University. He dubbed Persaud a model Guyanese with humble beginnings who reeks of patriotism and a passion for educational and economic development.
He noted that the University was one of the top learning institutions in the world and has always afforded Guyanese scholars the opportunity to study and lecture there. Dabydeen placed special emphasis on the Centre for Caribbean Studies, which is the first of its kind in Britain and afford persons the opportunity to learn about the history and work of Caribbean scholars.
Meanwhile, Associate Director in the Development Office at the University, Luke Taylor, lauded Persaud’s contributions to both the University and the local education sector. He also commended the businessman for the leadership roles he took on as Chairman of DDL and for the establishment of both Demerara Bank and Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED).
Persaud’s colleague and friend, Demerara Bank Limited Director Sheila George related fond memories of her late husband and Persaud. She credits him for contributing towards the restoration of free and fair elections in Guyana when he, along with others, formed the pro-democracy movement, GUARD.
When his time came to speak, Persaud said that he worked tirelessly to achieve all his dreams and that to date, he has accomplished almost all of his goals. He credits hard work, dedication, determination, and perseverance as some of the qualities responsible for his accomplishments.
He said that he was not yet finished with aiding in the development of the local education sector, and cited the role he played at the University of Guyana. He notes that Guyana needs a plan to lure skilled Guyanese with the ideas for development and that is the only way forward.
Persaud was born in 1928 at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, and started his first job as assistant to the assistant rat catcher at a sugar plantation. He went to England to study and learnt accounting before returning home to join the public service as an Inspector of Taxes.
He was instrumental in the changeover of Bookers into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). He joined Demerara Liquors Limited and Demerara Sugar Company and transformed them into DDL. He then pioneered the El Dorado brand rum, the Demerara Bank Limited, Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc, and the Guyana Trust Company Limited. He is also the Chairman and driving force behind Demerara Bank Limited, the first indigenous Private Sector bank.
Recognising his stellar contribution, the University of Warwick granted Persaud an honorary doctorate for his work in helping in the restoration of democracy in Guyana in 1992 plus his skills as a businessman in making El Dorado into a quality world brand and the creation of IPED.
He is the recipient of several national and international awards inclusive of the Gandhi Organisation Plaque, the Cacique’s Crown of Honour, the Glory of India Award and the Certificate of Excellence by the India International Friendship Society in 2005. One year later, in 2006, he would receive the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for his outstanding contributions to business and Indian history and culture.
