” Reaching for the Stars – The Life of Dr. Yesu Persaud, Volume 2 ” launched on his 95th birth anniversary

On what would have been his 95th birth anniversary, the highly-anticipated second volume of Dr. Yesu Persaud’s autobiography, “Reaching for the Stars – The Life of Yesu Persaud, Volume 2” was launched on Wednesday, October 18, at the Demerara Bank’s Head Office on Camp Street, Georgetown.
Edited by Professor David Dabydeen and Lynne Macedo, an Honorary Research Fellow of Dr. Persaud’s, the book continues the captivating narrative of the iconic business mogul’s extraordinary life’s journey.
The launch was attended by notable figures, including the Ambassador of Chile to Guyana, H.E Francisco Sepúlveda; Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Komal Samaroo; Director of Demerara Bank Limited, Hemraj Kissoon; CEO of Demerara Bank Limited, Pravinchandra Dave; Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr. Paloma Mohamed; Director of Technical Services at DDL, Sharon Sue-Hang; and Group Finance Director/Deputy Chief Executive Officer of DDL, Vasudeo Singh.

In this second volume, Dr. Persaud provides a deeper insight into his life, both in the professional and personal spheres. His story is one of resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering dedication to the development of Guyana’s private sector. The book also offers a unique perspective on the political landscape of Guyana over the past seven decades, as Dr. Persaud shares his candid and sometimes humorous encounters with key figures in the country’s history.
Professor Dabydeen noted, “Some of the best parts of the book are about his friendships and acknowledging the role of his team in making things happen.”

Dr. Yesu Persaud, one of Guyana’s most powerful business leaders, is celebrated for his remarkable achievements in building Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) from the ground up, and making the El Dorado brand an award-winning, world-renowned spirit. His vision extended to the founding of Demerara Bank Limited and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the country’s private sector.

The first part of Dr. Persaud’s autobiography was launched on May 14, 2014, and received resounding praise for its unique portrayal of a rags-to-riches story. This second volume, arriving posthumously, provides readers with an intimate look at the life of a man who continued to make significant contributions to business and philanthropy until his passing on January 16, 2022 at the age of 93.
Notably, DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo has penned a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Persaud within the pages of the autobiography. In his tribute, Samaroo reflected on Dr. Persaud’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he made on the business landscape of Guyana, adding, “Dr Persaud was a people-oriented business leader – an indefatigable promoter of people-centered policies”.
Samaroo’s words pay homage to a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on DDL and the entire nation.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Samaroo expressed, “This is an occasion to do some reflection on the 45 years that I have had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Yesu Persaud.” He added, “On the occasion of his 95th birthday, it is appropriate that we reflect on his work during his life, some of which are recorded in Volume 2 of “Reaching for the Stars”.
The daughter of Dr Yesu Persaud, Urmie Persaud, was also in attendance, and spoke on behalf of the Persaud family. She described her father as a humble man – one ahead of his time. She expressed, “He was an extremely unique person, who thought of the big picture and not just of himself and/or of his own family, but of the country as a whole”
CEO of Demerara Bank, Pravinchandra Dave, described Dr. Persaud as disciplined, humble, and courageous. “He embodied simplicity and humility, and was fearless when it came to taking risks and extending himself,” Dave said.
Dr. Paloma Mohamed said, “This story is a multifaceted, monumental story of a human being who is close to what I consider to be a saint.” She added that Dr. Persaud was a genuinely humble, decent, and caring human being, who “lives through his work and the lives that he has touched”.
Volume One of Dr. Persaud’s memoirs recounted the struggles of his family during and after the abolition of indentureship in British Guiana. In Volume Two, he delves into his life from the mid-1970s, providing a detailed account of his business and professional life, as well as his personal experiences with family and friends.
This autobiography is a significant contribution to Guyana’s historical and cultural narrative, and is a tribute to the rich legacy of Dr. Yesu Persaud.