Mahindra Persaud conferred with honorary doctorate by UG

The University of Guyana (UG) has conferred a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on Mahindra Persaud, Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, recognising his transformative impact on agro-industry, rural development and philanthropy in Guyana. The honour was bestowed during a brief ceremony in which the University praised Persaud as a distinguished business leader and innovator whose work has shaped modern agriculture and strengthened national food security. In the official citation, UG highlighted Persaud’s strong belief in teamwork and his lifelong commitment to community upliftment.
The institution described him as a quiet, gracious and family-centred leader whose entrepreneurial acumen has positioned him among the most respected figures in Guyana’s agricultural sector. The University lauded his pioneering role in advancing rice production, milling and export-modernising systems, expanding markets throughout the Caribbean and Latin America (LAC) and improving the livelihoods of small and medium-scale farmers through fair pricing, technical support and capacity-building. Under his vision, the Nand Persaud Group evolved from a modest family mill into one of the country’s premier agro-industrial enterprises, with operations spanning parboiled and white rice production, agro-processing, livestock, renewable energy, and value-added manufacturing. The University acknowledged his extensive philanthropic work, particularly in education, youth development and community advancement in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

His support ranges from student bursaries and rural school initiatives to agricultural research partnerships and humanitarian assistance. Notably, Persaud spearheaded the company’s $40 million donation towards establishing a state-of-the-art soil-testing laboratory at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC), an investment UG described as a cornerstone for agricultural innovation and climate-smart development. The citation also referenced the long-standing contributions of the Nand Persaud Foundation, which has institutionalised the company’s charitable work and broadened its social impact nationwide. Under Persaud’s leadership, the group has earned several major honours, including the Caribbean Export “Green Exporter of the Year” Award, the EU/Caribbean Export Special Award for Excellence in Service Exports, and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards “Made in Guyana” Certification. UG noted that these achievements reflect a business model built not only on profit, but on sustainable development, environmental consciousness and national service, values aligned with the University’s own mission of innovation, inclusivity and excellence. Persaud is widely regarded as one of the most influential agro-industrial leaders in Guyana. Under his direction, the family’s small one-tonne mill has grown into a major regional conglomerate known for its Karibee and Crown brands, modern milling technologies, green energy investments, and unwavering support for Berbice farmers. The Group’s awards and certifications, combined with Persaud’s recently conferred honorary doctorate, capture decades of leadership dedicated to strengthening Guyana’s agricultural base.