Death of Justice Prem Persaud His life was a long, fulfilling one, dedicated to public service – AG Nandlall

– GBA remembers him for his enduring contributions to legal fraternity

There has been an outpouring of tributes from the legal fraternity following the death of former Judge Prem Persaud, who passed away on November 26 at the age of 86.
He was a British-trained lawyer who was born in Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD). He joined the Bench in the early 1960s as a Magistrate of British Guiana and remained there till he was promoted to Puisne Judge around 1986. For a brief while, he was also Chief Justice.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, said Justice Persaud enjoyed perhaps one of the longest careers of public service in the legal sector in Guyana.

“He was possibly the longest-serving Magistrate in the entire Commonwealth. After serving as a High Court Judge for several years, Justice Persaud was appointed a Justice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal of Guyana. As a Justice of Appeal, he delivered several landmark judgements in various areas of the law which will continue to guide lawyers and Judges alike for many years to come,” said the Attorney General in a tribute posted on his Facebook page.
Upon his retirement, Nandlall said Justice Persaud held several crucial posts, including being the longest-serving Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, a member of the Judicial Service Commission for several years, Chairman of the Trade Union Recognition Board for many years, and head of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited.
Nandlall added, “No doubt Justice Persaud’s life was a long, fulfilling one, dedicated to public service and in service to the people of Guyana spanning over six decades.”
Despite the high offices held, Nandlall said that Justice Persaud remained grounded, humble and affable. “We were neighbours in Prashad Nagar for nearly two decades. We enjoyed great relations. His morning and afternoon walk from his home to the University of Guyana along the sea wall and back were well-known. Many looked forward to meeting with him on these walks.”

Nandlall recalled that Justice Persaud visited the Attorney General’s Chambers in August and gifted him a compendium of his leading written judgements.
“He was always ready and willing to offer legal advice and guidance. Many would have benefitted therefrom over the several decades. I visited him a few weeks ago at his home.
“We chatted for a long time. Little did I know that would be our last conversation. He will surely be missed but his contribution and legacy shall live on.”
Meanwhile, Justice Persaud made enduring contributions to both the legal and physical landscapes of Guyana, according to a statement from the Bar Association of Guyana.
“There are many comparisons made during the lifetime and on the death of a member of the legal profession. The comparisons are made with physical stature, the use of that stature, and the manner in which it is applied to the legal career,” the Bar noted.
Justice Persaud was the father of Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud; brother of Senior Counsel Vidyanand Persaud and uncle of Prabha and Vidushi Persaud, both attorneys-at-law. Nandlall and the Bar have expressed condolences to Justice Persaud’s wife, children, and extended family.