Finance Minister notes legacy of late Dr Yesu Persaud, IPED’s service to Guyana

– as IPED commemorates late Chairman, agency’s anniversary

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Saturday joined the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Georgetown to commemorate the enduring legacy of their Founding Chairman, the late Dr Yesu Persaud.
The occasion marked what would have been Dr Persaud’s 97th birthday as well as the 40th anniversary of IPED’s invaluable service to Guyana.

During remarks, the Minister reflected on Dr Persaud’s legacy as a true Guyanese icon who not only championed entrepreneurship but also courageously engaged in matters of national importance. His unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges and creating opportunities for others has left a lasting impact on Guyana’s history, the Minister noted.
Dr Singh also extended heartfelt congratulations to IPED on four decades of remarkable growth, and highlighted the institution’s importance in Guyana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and its role in empowering thousands of small businesses to succeed.

He also expressed full confidence in IPED’s ability to adapt to Guyana’s evolving economic landscape and continue its important work in supporting Guyanese entrepreneurs. The event was also addressed by two of Dr Persaud’s children; IPED’s current Chairman, Komal Samaroo; the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang; and Professor David Dabydeen.
Among his numerous accolades, Dr Persaud was also a founding member of the Indian Arrival Committee and one of the main people responsible for creating the Monument Garden, which marks the arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured labourers to Guyana in 1838. Professor David Dabydeen, along with Lynne Macedo, edited the second volume of Dr Yesu Persaud’s autobiography, “Reaching for the Stars – The Life of Yesu Persaud”. Dr Persaud was founding Chairman of IPED, which was created in 1985 with the aim to improve livelihoods by building sustainable micro and small enterprises through finance and advisory services.