“We’ve lost a great son of the soil” – PSC Chairman

…as a Book of Condolences signed for Dr Yesu Persaud

Following the passing of philanthropist and renowned businessman Dr Yesu Persaud, President Dr Irfaan Ali, members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the diplomatic community and other Private Sector bodies partook in signing a book of condolence at a small ceremony held at the PSC’s office at Waterloo Street, North Cummings, Georgetown, on Tuesday.

Dr Persaud, who is known for his many strides in the Private Sector of Guyana, passed away at the age of 93 on Monday morning.

Chairman of the PSC, Paul Cheong attended the quiet ceremony along with other members of the Private Sector to share their condolences and he expressed how much they have learnt from Dr Persaud, how grateful he is for that knowledge, and how committed he is to continue Dr Persaud’s good work.

“Yesu is an icon, he’s a father figure. He’s an inspiration. I mean, you know, he’s a great leader […] he’s a great team person. He’s a great teacher. His life is an example for all of us in the Private Sector […] my very early days in the Private Sector Commission, I’ve worked with Dr Persaud while he was Chairman and I’ve learned a lot […] which still help me up to this day and I will continue,” Cheong said.
Cheong further expressed how much Dr Persaud cared for the people of Guyana, adding that he only wanted to see greatness for the land of Guyana.

“He always have an encouraging word telling you how to develop yourself, how to work and progress in life and you’ve seen that throughout his life and that’s why so many people adore him. So many people look up to him also because of the type of figure he was. Not only looking out for business but for Guyana as a whole. He’s a true patriot. Whenever there is something to say, he never backed down. He’s always out there in the forefront, battling and fighting for Guyana and the Guyanese people.”

Cheong summed up how great of a loss Dr Persaud is, not only to the Private Sector, but to Guyana as a whole. He urged persons to be thankful for the lessons that he has left behind. “We’ve lost a great son of the soil but we also need to be thankful for the lessons that he’s left with us,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony was President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) Maniram Prashad, who conveyed how greatly missed Persaud will be missed in the Private Sector. “We in the Private Sector have lost a champion. He was a true icon. And we will really miss Yesu for all the good work he has done and all the knowledge he has imparted to us because when I was with him, I was just a young person, I had no knowledge about serious Private Sector leadership or development. He taught me and I’m happy to say that I came after him as Chairman, and only because what I have learned from him and others like him. Yesu was a champion and we will miss him,” he said.
Also offering kind words about Dr Persaud was Retired Major General of the Guyana Defence Force and former PSC Chairman, Norman McLean. McClean stated that he has always had nothing but respect for Dr Persaud and that nothing has changed.
“I have always held him out as the eldest statesman, and I’ve always referred to him, every time I speak to him as Excellency because I think his performance, his stature and everything he has done was excellent. […] So, all I can say at this stage is that he had a long life, he had a good life, and may his soul rest in peace,” McLean stated.
Members of the Private Sector took turns in signing in the book of condolences for the late Dr Persaud, leaving behind nothing but words of encouragement.
Dr Persaud, who was a Charted Accountant by profession, solidified himself as one of the leading men in the Private Sector of Guyana. Persaud co-founded the PSC, held the position of Chairman of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), and started two companies: Demerara Bank Limited and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED). Honouring his hard work and dedication to Guyana’s Private Sector, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) dedicated an entire wing to him. (G2)ersaud